When enhancing your home’s curb appeal, it is crucial to carefully choose and plant trees and shrubs alongside your house. These foundation plantings soften the sharp angles of your home, add color and texture, and create a welcoming entrance. However, it is equally important to select plants that will not become problematic as they grow.
Avoid the mistake of planting trees and shrubs that may outgrow their space and cause issues in the future. Be mindful of the mature size of the plants and consider their proximity to windows, pathways, and doors before planting them close to your house.
To prevent potential gardening mishaps, we have compiled a list of plants that you should avoid planting near your home:
1. Wisteria: While the sight of purple wisteria blooms may be enticing, this plant requires rigorous maintenance and support. The heavy vines can damage structures if not properly cared for, making it more suitable for growing on a sturdy arbor or trellis.
2. Roses: Though roses are romantic, their thorns can be a painful nuisance. Avoid planting them in areas where you need access for maintenance tasks, such as under windows or near pathways.
3. English Ivy: This plant’s moisture-trapping vines can harm your home’s exterior surfaces and are considered invasive in many areas. Opt for less damaging vines like jasmine instead.
4. Hollies: These versatile shrubs and trees can easily become lopsided if planted too close to a house. Their sharp leaves can also be unpleasant to encounter, so ensure they are positioned at least 5-8 feet away from your home.
5. Weeping Willow: The water-seeking roots of this tree can cause significant damage to foundations, water lines, and septic tanks. Plant weeping willows at least 50 feet away from your home to avoid potential issues.
6. Trumpet Vine: This fast-growing vine can quickly invade and damage siding with its aerial rootlets. Regular maintenance is necessary to prevent its spread, making it a better choice to avoid planting near your house.
By being selective in your plant choices and considering their long-term impact on your home, you can create a beautiful and harmonious landscape that enhances your property’s appeal.
Trumpet Vine Arborvitae (Image Credit: Getty Images)
When choosing arborvitae for privacy screening, it’s important to avoid varieties like ‘Green Giant’ that can quickly outgrow your space. Even compact options like ‘Emerald Green’ can reach heights of 15 feet and encroach on your gutters. For a better fit, consider planting ‘Emerald Green’ at least 4 or 5 feet away from your house, or opt for newer, smaller selections like Fire Chief.
Elm Trees (Image Credit: Getty Images)
The timeless beauty of elm trees can enhance your property, but they require careful maintenance to stay healthy. With a potential height of 60 feet, elms can damage sidewalks, foundations, and drop limbs. To avoid issues, plant elms at least 20 feet away from structures and away from power lines.
Maple Trees (Image Credit: Getty/Kamal Zharif bin Kamaludin)
Maple trees, particularly Norway and silver maples with shallow roots, can pose a threat to your foundation. To prevent damage, plant these trees at least 25 feet from your home or opt for a small, slow-growing Japanese maple if you prefer a tree closer to your house. Remember to provide ample space for the tree to thrive, with at least 5 feet of clearance on all sides.
Juniper Trees (Image Credit: Getty Images)
While a pair of juniper trees flanking your entry may seem picturesque, their scratchy foliage and potential size make them unsuitable for close planting. Certain juniper varieties, like the Eastern red cedar, can damage foundations and water lines, and are also fire hazards. If you’re set on having junipers near your home, consider low, mounding ground-cover varieties that don’t spread extensively.
For more gardening tips, visit the original article on Southern Living.
