How Far to Plant a Tree Away from a House

Planting trees around a house can add beauty to the landscape and provide shade during the sweltering summer months. However, it's important to choose the right location and distance for planting trees, as they can cause problems if placed too close to buildings. Here, we'll discuss how far to plant a tree away from a house and the reasons behind it.

Why Planting Trees Close to Houses is a Bad Idea

First, let's understand why planting trees close to houses can be risky. Trees have strong roots that can grow into water pipes, foundations and basements. This can lead to costly repair work and even endanger the structural integrity of the building. In addition, falling branches or trunks during storms or strong winds can cause extensive damage to roofs, windows, and walls. Lastly, leaves, seeds, and debris from trees can clog gutters and downspouts, further damaging the roof and the drainage system.

How Far to Plant a Tree from a House

The general rule of thumb when it comes to planting trees near homes is to choose species that won't grow taller than 30 feet at maturity and plant them at least 20 feet away from the nearest part of the house. If the trees are known to have invasive roots, such as willows, poplars or silver maples, they should be planted at least 50 feet away.

When planning to plant multiple trees, it's important to consider their eventual size and shape, as well as their proximity to each other and to the house. It's best to leave enough space between them to prevent their branches from intertwining or touching the house. A good distance between trees is 20-30 feet, depending on their size, and at least 30 feet away from the house.

Exceptions and Special Cases

There are some exceptions to the general rule of thumb. For example, if a large tree already exists near a house and needs to be trimmed or removed due to danger, it's best to plant a smaller, more manageable tree in its place. In some cases, trees can be planted closer to a house if they're in raised beds or containers, or if their roots are contained within an underground barrier. Additionally, in areas with strong winds or frequent storms, trees should be planted further away from the house to prevent damage from falling debris.

Conclusion

When it comes to planting trees near a house, it's important to consider both the aesthetics and the practicality of the location. To avoid potential problems and protect your property, be sure to research the best species for your area and plant them at a safe distance away from the house. When in doubt, consult a professional arborist or landscaper who can help with the selection and placement of trees.