Unsuitable Plants to Position Near Your Residential Property: A List of 10
When it comes to enhancing your home's charm, planting trees and shrubs is a must. Foundation plantings serve to soften your home's sharp edges, add eye-catching color and texture, and create a warm, inviting welcome. But, it's essential to be thoughtful about which plants you choose to grow near your residence.
Falling for a plant at the nursery can be easy, but don't let an overgrown monster spoil the side of your house, uproot your foundation, or poke passers-by with thorns. Consider the mature size of trees, shrubs, and other plants before you plant them within a few feet of a window, path, or door.
To help you dodge gardening missteps, we've compiled a list of plants that aren't ideal for planting too close to your house.
Wisteria
Imagine lavender wisteria vines hanging from a porch, adding a touch of the South. However, the reality of nurturing wisteria might not meet your expectations. The thick, heavy vines need substantial support, as they have a tendency to bring down trellises, rails, and gutters. Opt for growing these on an arbor or trellis instead, and give them space to thrive.
Planting Tips:- Plant on a strong arbor or trellis away from the house to prevent damage from vines.- Wisteria requires regular pruning to maintain structure and prevent overgrowth.
Roses
Roses are a romantic choice to plant near the house, but their thorny nature may pose a problem. If you insist on roses, steer clear of placing them under windows, near paths, or doorways to avoid painful encounters.
Planting Tips:- Avoid planting roses anywhere you need easy access.- Use a trellis or arbor for climbing roses to keep them contained and accessible for maintenance.
English Ivy
Avoid planting English ivy near the house due to its invasive nature and potential to damage siding, stucco, and brick mortar with its root system. Opt for less damaging alternatives like jasmine instead.
Planting Tips:- If used, ensure it does not grow onto the house.
Hollies
Hollies are versatile plants, but planting them too close to the house can result in a lopsided appearance due to their growth habits. Take care to site hollies 5-8 feet away from your home, unless you've specifically chosen a variety for small spaces.
Planting Tips:- Plant hollies at least 5 feet from your house for a balanced look.
Weeping Willow
Planting a weeping willow near the house is a big no-no. These trees have water-seeking roots that can damage foundations, invade water lines, and septic tanks. Keep them at least 50 feet away from your home and far from your septic tank—you'll be grateful for the distant space.
Planting Tips:- Plant at least 50 feet away from the house and far from the septic tank.
Trumpet Vine
Avoid planting trumpet vine near houses due to its invasive nature and potential to damage siding with its rootlets. Although it's a beautiful, native plant, its vigor can make it difficult to control. Prune annually to control growth, and consider removing it if it becomes unmanageable.
Planting Tips:- Prune annually to control growth, and consider removing it if not manageable.
Arborvitae
Stay away from placing 'Green Giant' arborvitae too close to the house due to its rapid growth. If you have limited space, consider choosing compact varieties like 'Fire Chief'.
Planting Tips:- Plant 'Green Giant' at least a dozen feet away from the house.- If space is limited, opt for compact varieties like 'Fire Chief'.
Elm Trees
Due to potential foundation damage and branch drop, keep elm trees at least 20 feet away from structures. Consider alternative tree species that are less intrusive.
Planting Tips:- Plant at least 20 feet away from structures.- Consider alternative tree species to limit intrusion.
Maple Trees
Norway maples and silver maples grow large and have shallow roots that may encroach on your foundation. Keep them 25 feet away from your home, or plant a smaller, slow-growing Japanese maple if you still want maples close to the house. Maintain at least 5 feet of distance on all sides, or half the expected width of the tree when it's full-grown.
Planting Tips:- For larger maple varieties, keep them 25 feet away from the house.- If you want a smaller maple close to the house, choose a Japanese maple and maintain at least 5 feet of space on all sides.
Juniper Trees
Juniper trees' prickly foliage can be bothersome if placed near the entry. Avoid planting large junipers near the house. The Eastern red cedar, a type of juniper, has been known to damage foundations and water lines. Opt for low, mounding, ground-cover junipers if you insist on planting them close to your home.
Planting Tips:- If you want to plant junipers near the house, choose low, mounding, ground-cover varieties.- Avoid large juniper trees due to potential foundation damage and prickly foliage.
Gardening and landscaping ideas should carefully consider the mature size of trees, shrubs, and other plants before planting them too close to the house. Choosing the wrong plants can lead to damages such as bringing down trellises, gutters, or even damaging foundations. Southern Living offers tips to avoid this, such as planting Wisteria on a strong arbor or trellis away from the house, avoiding growing roses under windows, placing English ivy at least a safe distance from homes, and keeping Weeping Willows at least 50 feet away from the house. Pruning Trumpet Vine and Arborvitae annually can control their growth, and it's suggested to opt for compact varieties like 'Fire Chief' when space is limited. Elm Trees and Maple Trees should be planted at least 20 feet and 25 feet away from structures, respectively, due to potential foundation damage. Juniper Trees may damage foundations and water lines, so it's advisable to plant low, mounding, ground-cover junipers instead of large ones near the house. Creditline can be managed responsibly by considering these garden design tips.
