Why you shouldn't plant trees too close to your house?

Author: Chauncey Kautzer  |  Last update: Sunday, June 22, 2025

Trees cause the moisture in soil to fluctuate because of the water levels that are required to keep a tree alive. This can cause significant problems if a tree is too close to your home, because as the soil contracts and expands, it puts pressure on the foundation and can eventually cause cracks or shifting.

What happens if you plant a tree too close to a house?

If positioned too closely to your home, a maturing tree can take root and slowly push your house out of the way. We recommend planting trees at least 15-20 feet away from your house to prevent problems with roots or overhanging branches.

Why is it unwise to plant trees too close to a house?

Trees planted too close to your home can pose a significant roof and gutter damage risk. Falling branches can damage your roof, gutters, and siding, resulting in costly repairs. Additionally, leaves and debris from overhanging branches can clog gutters, leading to water damage and mould growth.

Is it bad to have a tree right next to your house?

Trees should never be close to your house, regardless of how nice they are. There is always the potential for unseen damages caused by its roots, branches damaging your roof or they could straight up fall onto your house during periods of high winds.

Which tree should not be planted close to a house?

Peepal and Banyan trees should never be kept at home. These trees attract ser plants,worms and owls. Tamarind tree, Date Palm,Cotton,Babul tree and Bam boo trees should not be planted in your yard. Bamboo trees are used during de ath in India.

Why you shouldn't plant trees too close to your building

Which tree roots damage foundations?

According to one study on tree root foundation damage, Oak species account for 11 percent of all foundation problems cited by property owners. Live oaks, Shumard red oaks, chestnut oaks, and other species have shallow roots that leach large quantities of nutrients and water from the soil.

What is the safest tree to plant near a house?

Trees That Won't Damage Foundations
  1. Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis) This dwarf, needled evergreen is originally from Japan and is safe to plant near a foundation. ...
  2. Cryptomeria japonica 'Black Dragon' ...
  3. Juniper. ...
  4. Dogwood (Cornus) ...
  5. 5. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) ...
  6. English Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

How to tell if a tree is too close to a house?

As a rule of thumb, it's advisable to ensure that no branches directly overhang your roof, and for taller trees, maintaining a distance of more than 20 feet from your home is a prudent measure to protect your roof effectively.

How to prevent tree roots from damaging a house?

Following are certain measures you can take:
  1. Trimming/cutting tree roots to prevent them from growing toward the foundation.
  2. Avoid planting shrubs or trees near the foundation.
  3. Plant the right trees in your yard (those with non-invasive root system).

How far away from a house should trees be planted?

If you expect your tree to be 25-50 feet at maturity, plant it 15-20 feet away from any buildings. If your tree is supposed to grow to more than 50 feet tall at maturity, plant it at least 30-50 feet away from any buildings.

Where is the best place to plant a tree around the house?

Shade the Southeast, West, and Southwest of Your House

Having big, leafy trees in the southeast corner shades your house all morning. As the sun passes overhead, the trees on the southwest side take over the job of cooling your house. The hot afternoon sun is blocked by trees on the west side.

Why should trees not touch your house?

Trees that touch the siding of the house leave the home susceptible to pests and water damage. Limbs, bushes, tree branches, and vines all carry water and pests. If they touch the siding of your house, water can leach between the siding and cause mold and mildew in the walls of your home.

What should you not plant near a foundation?

Ash, Poplar, and Locusts trees also caused more damage to homes in relation to their population. Trees that grow fast above ground grow equally as fast below ground, so you should not plant these trees near sidewalks, pipes, or homes.

How close can a tree be to a house foundation?

This will not only protect your foundation, it will protect your house if the tree falls in a storm. A large tree species like an elm or an oak should be planted at least 50 feet from a home, while a smaller one like a dogwood or a magnolia can be planted just 10 feet away.

How close to my neighbors property can I plant a tree?

So, if a tree sits on the property line, it's considered common property and you are both owners. For this reason, you can't legally plant a tree on the property line without permission from your neighbor. It's best to plan trees three to four feet from all property lines to leave room for future growth.

Should I remove a tree close to my house?

Tree roots can actually lead to serious foundation problems. But whether or not you truly need to remove a tree close to a house will depend on factors like the type of tree you have and exactly how close it is to your home. “Close” is a relative term and it's best for this decision to be made by a professional.

Which trees have the most damaging roots?

Species such as willows, silver maples, and elms are known for their aggressive root growth and potential to cause structural issues. Willows, in particular, are notorious for their invasive root systems, which can extend deep into the soil and seek out sources of water.

How do you tell if a tree is causing foundation problems?

10 Signs Tree Roots Are Affecting Your Foundation
  1. Foundation Cracks. ...
  2. Uneven Flooring. ...
  3. Sticking Doors and Windows. ...
  4. Leaning Chimney. ...
  5. Sinking or Settling Foundation. ...
  6. Bowing Walls. ...
  7. Gaps Between Trim and Walls. ...
  8. Cracked or Uneven Concrete Driveway.

Will tree roots crack a foundation?

Answer: Tree roots can damage a house foundation, with an invitation to do so. Tree roots are very opportunistic and will only grow and penetrate where it is easiest to grow such as friable soils and mulch.

Can a tree be planted too close to a house?

One of the primary concerns with trees growing too close to a house is the potential for structural damage. Tree roots can extend far beyond the canopy, sometimes two to three times the width of the branches. These roots can undermine your home's foundation, leading to cracks, shifts, and instability.

What is the minimum distance between trees and houses?

Plant small trees (25 feet tall or less, at maturity) at least 8 to 10 feet from a wall, or 6 to 8 feet from a corner of your home. Plant medium trees (up to 40 feet at maturity) at least 15 feet from walls, and at least 12 feet from a corner.

Is tree root damage to foundation covered by insurance?

If the foundation damage is due to negligence, your insurance won't cover the repair cost. It's your responsibility to take preventive measures to keep moisture from accumulating or tree roots from causing damage to the structure. These covered perils include: Tornados, windstorms, and hailstorms.

Where not to plant a tree?

Basin Placement: Trees are planted at least 3 feet away from communication, electric, and gas lines and at least 5 feet away from sewers.

What tree has the least invasive roots?

4 Types of Trees with Non-Invasive Roots that are Best for Your Yard
  • Japanese Maple.
  • Crape Myrtle.
  • Eastern Redbud.
  • Cornus Mas.
  • Serviceberry.
  • Kousa Dogwood.
  • Japanese Tree Lilac.
  • Dwarf Korean Lilac.

How close to my house should I plant a tree?

So, while tree subsidence is not a common occurrence, it's important to think about where you are planting in relation to the house. Don't plant an oak two metres from your front door, for example. The recommended minimum distance to plant a new tree from a building is five metres.

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