Which trees to avoid near your house — and why
Planting the wrong tree too close to a house, driveway, or sewer line is one of the most common—and costly—landscaping mistakes. Below are species that often cause trouble, plus the reason each one is risky so you (and your readers) can make a smarter choice.
- Willow (Salix spp.) — Extremely aggressive, shallow root systems that seek out water. Willows can lift sidewalks, invade septic systems, and crack foundations if planted too close.
- Poplar / Cottonwood / Aspen (Populus spp.) — Fast growers with wide, hungry root systems and brittle wood. These trees establish quickly but can cause root damage and drop large limbs in storms.
- Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) — Shallow, spreading roots that lift pavements and a brittle crown prone to limb failure. Often a short-lived canopy tree in urban yards.
- Bradford pear & other ornamental pears (Pyrus calleryana and cultivars) — Attractive when young but structurally weak; limbs split easily and the species is invasive in many regions.
- Lombardy/poplar varieties (Populus spp.) — Rapid-growing and short-lived, with shallow, invasive roots and heavy suckering. Not recommended near structures.
- Black walnut (Juglans nigra) — Roots produce juglone, a chemical toxic to many garden plants; combined with a large root zone, black walnut can limit what will grow nearby and complicate beds.
- Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) — Very large, deep and wide root systems; in some climates also doubts about allelopathic effects and high litter/flammability in dry conditions. Avoid close to foundations or gutters.
- Box elder / Manitoba maple (Acer negundo) — Fast, messy, and with invasive roots and brittle branches; tends to attract pests and requires frequent cleanup.
Safer alternatives by purpose
If you want privacy, shade, or screening without the risk, consider these lower-risk options (choose species suited to your climate):
- Evergreen privacy screens: Thuja / Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis or Thuja plicata), Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), or native broadleaf evergreens like American holly (Ilex opaca) in suitable zones.
- Smaller, reliable shade / ornamental trees: Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.), Japanese maple (Acer palmatum — dwarf cultivars), crabapple (Malus spp., disease-resistant cultivars), and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus).
- Low-root-risk hedges: Boxwood (Buxus spp.), yew (Taxus spp.), and compact hollies for structured hedging in smaller spaces.
