What Trees Can You Plant Close to a House?

Planting trees around your property is a fantastic way to add beauty, enhance the environment, and provide some shade for your home. Trees also increase the value of your property and provide natural habitat for birds and other small animals. However, planting trees too close to your house can result in costly damage to your property. Therefore, it's essential to choose the right trees to plant around your house. Here's what you need to consider when selecting trees to plant near your house:

Consider the Tree's Size When Fully Grown

A tree's size when it's fully grown is a significant factor to consider when selecting a tree to plant near your house. Trees with extensive root systems or that grow tall will cause damage to the foundation or the structure of your home. Avoid trees that have invasive roots and those that are likely to fall over during a storm. It's best to choose slow-growing trees that are smaller in size, such as dwarf fruit trees, holly, and crepe myrtle.

Choose Trees With Non-Invasive Roots

Planting trees with non-invasive roots helps to prevent damage to your home's foundation, driveways, and sidewalks. Trees with invasive roots can cause soil instability, resulting in cracks in foundation walls and blockages in sewer systems. To avoid these problems, consider planting trees like Dogwood, Hornbeam, or redbud trees. These trees have shallow root systems and do not cause damage to your property.

Consider the Tree's Branch Structure

Avoid planting trees with weak branches near your home as they can break during high winds, causing damage to your home. Trees like the Bradford Pear, Ash, and Sweet Gum have weak branches and are more prone to damage during storms. Therefore, it's best to choose trees that have sturdy branches, like the Magnolia tree or the River Birch tree, reducing the risk of damage to your home.

Choose Deciduous Trees

Deciduous trees are those that lose their leaves in the fall. They're an excellent option as they provide shade during the summer, but also allow sunlight to enter your home during the winter. This can help lower your energy bills and keep your home comfortable throughout the year. Examples of deciduous trees include the Maple tree, the Oak tree, or the Birch tree.

Avoid Planting Fruit Trees Near Your Home

Although it's tempting to plant fruit trees near your home, they're not the best option. Fruit trees attract bugs, wildlife, and other pests that can cause damage to your home. Moreover, fruit trees are often tall and have deep roots, which can cause issues for your home's foundation. Instead, consider planting flowers, small shrubs, or herbs in the area.

Conclusion

Choosing the right trees for your property is an essential factor when adding beauty and enhancing your environment. While trees offer many benefits, planting them too close to your home can result in costly damage. The key to success when planting trees close to a property is choosing the right type of tree. Consider the size of the tree when fully grown, choose trees with non-invasive roots, consider the tree's branch structure, choose deciduous trees, and avoid planting fruit trees. By following these guidelines, you'll be able to plant trees that will add value, beauty, and shade to your property without risking any damage to your home.