Not all trees are detrimental to buildings, as some have weaker root systems that won't cause damage. Species such as crabapples, flowering dogwood, and American hollies are ornamental and have weaker roots. Pine trees have roots that grow straight down, causing practically no harm to the surrounding area.
Dogwood Trees (Cornus spp.)
Dogwoods also have shallow, non-invasive root systems, which makes them a safe choice to plant near structures. They do better when planted in partial shade rather than full sun and also require well-drained soil that is also moist.
Dogwood (Cornus)
This is another ornamental option that does not have an aggressive root system. Homeowners love the flowering Dogwood for the beauty that it can add to a property. It can easily be a showpiece addition. You will get to enjoy white flowers in the spring and red leaves in the fall.
The roots of the Kousa Dogwood are non-invasive so they are great for planting near homes, pools, driveways, and sidewalks with no fear of issues.
While oaks, poplars, and ash trees are undoubtedly the most common causes of foundation issues, there are many other types of trees that can cause issues. Some are deciduous trees, such as the black locust, boxelder, Norway maple, silver maple, sweetgum, sycamore, and tuliptree.
Silver maple tree
They might be prized for their vibrant colour in autumn, but their root systems are one of the most invasive of all. As the roots enlarge, silver maple trees have been known to crack driveways, pavements, foundations and pipes. It's best to avoid planting this tree altogether.
Dogwoods are natural understory trees. They grow under larger trees, and their roots grow overtop of the larger roots of the big pines or oaks nearby. The deepest dogwood roots are often less than 3½ inches deep in the soil. Any roots deeper than that may rot off, especially in heavy soils.
They also produce berries (technically drupes) in late summer or early fall that are attractive to birds and other wildlife. They provide an important food source for many species, so planting a dogwood tree can contribute to a healthy ecosystem in your garden.
'Oak trees are perhaps the most important tree in our landscape but should never be planted close to a home,' says Houston-based garden expert Jen McDonald. 'A mighty oak can grow up to 100 feet tall, which means they have an extensive root system that could do serious damage to your foundation.
Install root barriers
Usually, root barricades are overlapping sheets of plastic. They help divert roots away from the foundation.
Types like American Holly and Dwarf Yaupon Holly are popular choices to plant near houses because they stay small and don't have roots that spread too much. People often use holly trees as hedges or to decorate around their home's foundation because they grow thick leaves.
There are problems to which dogwoods succumb listed on the UF/IFAS website, such as dogwood anthracnose, which hasn't been found in Florida yet, powdery mildew, and borers that enter damaged trunks. You may decide not to plant a dogwood, especially if you do not have an ideal site for one.
Dogwoods do best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Avoid planting dogwoods in low-lying areas that stay wet for long periods of time. Prepare the planting site. Use a shovel or tiller to loosen the soil in the planting area and remove any weeds or other debris.
However, dogwoods are usually grown as single specimens. When multiple trees are planted, allow 20 feet (6 m) between plants. Space red-osier dogwood 5 feet (1.5 m) apart when planting them as a hedge. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Too much direct sunlight can stress them, while insufficient light can impede their growth and reduce flowering. It's a delicate balance to strike, but try to find the right spot in your garden where the tree can receive dappled sunlight for part of the day.
Flowering dogwoods live up to about 80 years. Flowering dogwood is seriously threatened by a powerful fungus, Discula destructiva, or dogwood anthracnose. This fungus is spreading rapidly throughout the range of dogwood.
Jamaican dogwood is an irritant. It can also cause numbness, tremors, salivation, and sweating. Elderly people are especially sensitive to these effects. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's LIKELY UNSAFE for pregnant women to take Jamaican dogwood by mouth.
“The Imported Kousa Dogwood Was Once Hailed as Substitute for Dying Native Dogwood Trees. Now It's Classified as an Invasive Species.” The Berkshire Eagle, September 14, 2023.
Originally, as the story goes, the dogwood was large and sturdy. One was cut down and used for the cross. After the crucifixion, the tree was ashamed.
Most dogwood shrubs and trees grow quickly, with a fast rate of over a foot a year. Trees will reach full size in about a decade.
Pine trees: Pines have practically no impact on your foundation because their roots extend straight down into the soil. Japanese maple: This beautiful and popular scarlet-colored tree is frequently planted near patios and along curbsides because their roots are non-invasive.