How Far to Plant a Tree from House

Planting trees around your home can enhance its curb appeal and provide excellent shade during the hot summer months. However, planting trees too close to your house can lead to the roots damaging your foundation, pipes or walls, and potentially causing costly repairs. So, how far should you plant a tree from your house to prevent these issues? Let's explore.

The Rule of Thumb

The general rule of thumb is to plant trees at least 20 feet away from your house. This distance is enough to ensure that the roots of the tree do not interfere with your home's foundation or underground pipes. However, if you're planting a larger tree, it's best to follow the 30-50-20 rule. This rule means planting trees that will grow more than 50 feet tall 50 feet away from your home, trees that will grow over 70 feet tall 80 feet away, and trees that will grow up to 40 feet tall should be planted at least 20 feet away from your property.

Trees to Avoid Planting Near Your Home

Some trees are notorious for invading underground pipes, choking your home's foundation, and causing structural damage to your house. It's best to avoid planting these trees near your home or stick to planting them in open spaces, such as parks or large gardens. Below are some of the trees you should avoid planting near your home:

Willows

Oaks

Cottonwoods

Poplars

Mulberries

Aspens

The Benefits of Planting Trees Away from Your Home

Planting trees away from your home provides numerous benefits, some of which include:

Reduced risk of damage to your home's foundation by the tree's roots.

Reduced risk of underground piping getting choked by the tree's roots.

Reduced risk of tree branches interfering with overhead power lines or damaging your roof.

Improved air circulation and light in your home, especially if you're planting trees that provide excellent shade in the summer.

Improved aesthetics and curb appeal of your home's landscape.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planting a tree too close to your home can lead to costly repairs and headaches down the line. Therefore, it's crucial to follow the 20-foot and 30-50-20 rule when planting trees near your home. By doing so, you're not only protecting your home's foundation and underground pipes but also enhancing the aesthetics of your landscape.