11 Trees Not To Plant In

Your Yard
There are certain types of trees that you probably dont want to be
planting at your home. Roots, stability, or tremendous upkeep can
all be major problems that might be overlooked when picking a
tree to plant. Houselogic experts explain the 11 different trees not
to plant in your yard, and why they are such a hassle.

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Lowes and Home Depot are a great place to find the perfect tree
for your yard. Before you go, get discounted gift cards for Lowes
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1. Silver maple (Acer saccharinum)
Big, fast-growing, and a dandy shade tree, silver maple is
widespread in eastern states and the Midwest. Unfortunately, the
speed at which the tree grows makes for weak, brittle wood that
may break during severe storms. The shallow root system invades
sewage pipes and drain fields, and is notorious for
cracking driveways and walkways.
2. Ash (Fraxinus)
Sturdy and tough, the many varieties of ash that populate North
America are some of our most beloved trees. Professional baseball
bats are made from its wood how American is that? But the
venerable ash is threatened by the emerald ash borer, a tiny beetle
thats on track to wipe out the species. If youre looking for a long-
term tree for your yard, look elsewhere.
3. Quaking Aspen (Populus
tremuloides)
The aspen is found in northern climes and higher elevations. Its
white bark and gently vibrating leaves are attractive, but its root
system is insidious, sending up dozens of suckers that relentlessly
try to turn into new trees. Once established, its war. In fact, the
largest living organism in the world is a Colorado aspen root
system called Pando. It weighs 6,600 tons and is thought to be
80,000 years old. Try digging that out!
4. Hybrid Poplars (Populus)
Hybrid poplars are created by cross-pollinating two or more poplar
species together. The result can be a fast-growing tree that looks
good in your yard for a while. Hybrid poplars are especially
susceptible to diseases, and most wont last more than 15 years.
This poor fellow is dying quickly.
5. Willow (Salix)
With its long, slender branches that hang down like Rapunzels
tresses, the willow is one of the most recognizable of all trees.
Beautiful on the outside, yes, but the willow has an aggressive,
water-hungry root system that terrorizes drain fields, sewer lines,
and irrigation pipes. The wood is weak and prone to cracking, and
the tree is relatively short-lived, lasting only about 30 years.
6. Eucalyptus
Imported from Australia and popularized for their speedy growth
some varieties will shoot up 10 feet in a year the eucalyptus
has a bad rap for suddenly and unexpectedly dropping big, heavy,
resin-filled branches. In some areas of Australia, campers are
warned not to pitch tents under eucalyptus trees. Its showy bark
peels off annually and adds to seasonal maintenance chores.
7. Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana)
The Bradford pear was imported to the U.S. from China in the
early 1900s as replacement for orchard trees that were dying. With
its compact shape and profusion of spring blossoms, the Bradford
pear became a suburban favorite until folks realized that it was
highly prone to splitting and cracking when it reached maturity.
And those blossoms? Theyre on the stinky side of the fragrance
scale.
8. Mountain cedar (Juniperus ashei)
Stay away from the mountain cedar in late winter. This bushy tree,
native to the south central U.S., releases massive amounts of pollen
during the cooler months, causing severe allergic reactions in many
people. Even if you dont have allergies, planting one in your yard
may affect your neighbors.
9. Mulberry (Morus)
Big surface roots, lots of pollen, messy fruit, and shade so dense
that grass refuses to grow underneath. Whats to like about the
mulberry? If youre a silkworm, the answer is: Plenty! The
mulberry is the silkworms only source of food. Silkworm farmers
should plant away! Otherwise, youll be happier with a different
kind of tree in your yard.
10. Black walnut (Juglans nigra)
Native to North America, this well-known shade tree produces
prized cabinet- and furniture-making wood. It also produces pollen
and plenty of fruit thatll drive you, well, nuts when you have to
clean it all up in the fall. Its true sinister side, however, is that it
secretes growth-inhibiting toxins that kill nearby plants, wreaking
havoc on flower beds and vegetable gardens.
11. Leyland cypress
(Cupressocyparis leylandii)
These fast-growing evergreen trees are favored for their ability to
quickly create a living privacy screen. However, they require
constant upkeep and trimming to keep them healthy, and as they
get taller theyre increasingly likely to uproot during storms. The
center of the tree forms a mass of dried twigs and branches that are
considered such a fire hazard that many communities officially
caution residents against planting them.