What Trees Can You Plant Near Your House?

Planting trees near your house is a great way to enhance its beauty, provide shade, and even increase the value of your property. However, it is important to choose trees carefully, as some species can cause damage to your house's foundation, plumbing, or power lines. Here are some trees that are generally safe to plant near your house:

Crape Myrtle

Crape myrtle is a popular choice for homeowners because of its beautiful flowers and low maintenance. This tree is known for its attractive bark, which is smooth and peels off in patches to reveal a mottled surface of gray, tan, and cream. Crape myrtle trees are also drought-resistant, making them an excellent choice for regions with dry summers.

Japanese Maple

Japanese maples are stunning ornamental trees that are perfect for adding color and texture to your garden. These trees come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and their leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall. Japanese maples are relatively small, so they are a good choice if you have limited space near your house.

Dogwood

Dogwood trees are known for their showy spring flowers and colorful fall leaves. These trees prefer partial shade and a moist, well-drained soil. Dogwoods are relatively small, with shallow roots, making them a good choice for planting near your house as long as you avoid planting them directly under your roof's overhang.

Crabapple

Crabapple trees produce colorful blooms in the spring and are popular for their ornamental fruit, which persists on the tree into the winter. These trees grow to be about 20 feet tall, making them a good choice for planting near your house. However, be careful to choose a variety that is disease-resistant, as many varieties are susceptible to diseases like scab and fire blight.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees are fast-growing and easy to care for, making them a popular choice for homeowners. These trees have a distinctive silver-gray bark and fragrant leaves. Eucalyptus trees can grow up to 60 feet tall, so they are a good choice if you are looking for a larger tree to plant near your house. However, be aware that these trees have invasive roots that can damage plumbing and sidewalks.

When choosing trees to plant near your house, it is important to consider your local climate and soil conditions, as well as the tree's mature size and growth habits. By choosing the right trees and planting them a safe distance from your house's foundation and utilities, you can enjoy the many benefits of having trees in your yard.