Introduction

Planting trees close to our houses is a great way to add beauty to our surroundings, provide shade and privacy, and contribute to a healthier environment. However, choosing the right trees to plant near our homes is crucial. Not all trees are suitable for planting near homes, and some can even cause damage to the house, foundation, or underground pipes. In this article, we will discuss what trees can be planted close to a house and some essential factors to consider before planting.

Factors to Consider Before Planting Trees Close to Houses

Before planting any tree close to a house, there are several important factors to consider:

Size

Consider the mature size of the tree before planting. A tree that is too large for the area can become a threat to the house and any nearby structures. The root system can lift and damage the foundation or the branches can hit and damage the roof, windows, gutters, and siding. It's crucial to choose a tree that is proportionate to the space available.

Root System

The root system of a tree can cause damage to the house and any nearby structures if planted too close. Trees with shallow root systems like willows, poplars, and silver maples should be avoided because their roots can invade the foundation and underground pipes. Trees with deep root systems like oaks and pines are safer to plant close to a house.

Location

The location of the tree relative to the house is a critical factor to consider. A tree planted too close to the house can cause damage, while one planted too far can provide little to no benefit. It's important to know the distance to maintain between the tree and the house. As a general rule, the tree's drip line should be at least 10 feet from the house.

Trees Suitable for Planting Close to Houses

Now you know the essential factors to consider before planting any tree close to your house. Let's look at some of the trees that are suitable for planting near homes:

Japanese Maple

Japanese maple is an attractive tree with a mature size of 10-25 feet in height and width. It has a shallow root system that won't cause any damage to the foundation. This tree can be planted near a house, but it should be at least 10 feet away, so the roots won't invade the drainage pipes.

Magnolia

Magnolia is a popular tree that produces beautiful flowers in the spring. It has a moderate growth rate and a mature size of 20-30 feet in height and width. It prefers well-drained soils and is safe to plant near a house, but its roots should be at least 5 feet away from the foundation.

Crabapple

Crabapple is a fast-growing tree that produces lovely pink or white flowers in the spring. It has a mature size of 15-25 feet in height and width and requires well-drained soil. It's safe to plant near a house, but its branches should be at least 6 feet away from the roof.

Red Bud

Red bud is a small tree with a mature size of 15-30 feet in height and width. It has a taproot that makes it safe to plant near a house, and its branches won't damage the roof or siding. It prefers well-drained soils and grows well in partial shade.

Pear

Pear is an edible tree that produces delicious fruit in the fall. It has a moderate growth rate and a mature size of 25-30 feet in height and width. It prefers well-drained soils and is safe to plant near a house, but its branches should be at least 10 feet away from the roof.

Conclusion

Planting trees near homes can add beauty, shade, and privacy to our surroundings while also contributing to a healthier environment. However, choosing the right trees to plant near our homes is crucial. We need to consider factors such as the size, root system, and location of the tree before planting. Trees like Japanese Maple, Magnolia, Crabapple, Red Bud, and Pear are some of the suitable trees for planting near houses. When we choose the right trees, we can enjoy their beauty and benefits without worrying about any possible damage to our homes.