Tree location in a garden design must be considered carefully.
While trees near your home might offer shade and lovely views, the wrong sort of tree in close proximity to your home can have a negative effect.
You must therefore think carefully about the best tree to plant close to your home.
Which trees are suitable for planting near homes? In order to prevent foundational damage, it is advisable to grow trees with modest, non-invasive root systems close to your home. The best options are trees that grow to a height of 25 feet or less, don’t pose any concerns to safety, offer year-round beauty, and are simple to maintain.
It’s important to choose trees for your home that are both aesthetically pleasing and won’t harm the construction or foundation of your property.
Continue reading to discover some trees that might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Table of Contents
12 Best Trees To Plant Near Houses
Always consider the requirements of your property before picking a tree to put close to your home. Here are several trees that often perform admirably under most conditions.
When choosing trees for your property, keep these in mind.
1. Japanese Maple
Japanese maples come in a variety of varieties. These diminutive trees typically have graceful, thin trunks, reddish-orange to orange-red leaves, and lovely autumn foliage.
- Average Adult Height: 8 to 30 feet
- Ideal Growing Zones: 5-8
- Growth: 1-2 feet annually
- Evergreen vs. Deciduous: Deciduous
2. Flowering Dogwood
This lovely native of North America bears white flowers. The trees require very little pruning and are simple to maintain.
- 10–25 feet tall and 6–12 inches in diameter at maturity
- Best Growing Zones: 2–9
- Annual growth rate: one foot
- Evergreen vs. Deciduous: Deciduous
3. Crabapple
Despite not having the finest reputation, this tree is a much better option than you might realize.
This tree provides a ton of fun throughout the year, especially in the spring when it blooms.
- 15 to 20 feet tall and wide at maturity
- Zones 4–8 are ideal for growing.
- Growth: 1-2 feet annually
- Evergreen vs. Deciduous: Deciduous
4. American Holly
This evergreen is a fantastic option if you desire privacy all year long. Among this tree’s lovely characteristics are its lovely, glossy leaves and its scarlet berries.
- Average Adult Height: 25 to 60 feet
- Best growing zones: 5–9.
- Growth: 1-2 feet annually
- Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen
5. American Hornbeam
The American hornbeam can appeal to you if you enjoy unusual leaves. This tree offers lovely seeds and an attractive shape that is simple to maintain.
- 20 to 40 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide are typical adult sizes.
- Zones 3–9 are ideal for growing.
- Annual growth rate: one foot
- Evergreen vs. Deciduous: Deciduous
6. Eastern Redbud
The Eastern redbud is a lovely, delicate tree that blooms profusely in the spring with tiny pink blossoms.
- 15–30 feet tall and 15–25 feet broad at maturity
- Zones 4–8 are ideal for growing.
- Growth: 1-2 feet annually
- Evergreen vs. Deciduous: Deciduous
7. Pawpaw
This fruiting tree may be exactly what you’re looking for in your yard if you appreciate the tropical aesthetic.
- Size of an average adult is 15 feet tall and 15 feet wide.
- Best growing zones: 5–9.
- Growth: 1-2 feet annually
- Evergreen vs. Deciduous: Deciduous
8. Loquat
With its vibrant leaves and lovely little white blooms, this unusual tree provides appeal all year long.
- 15 to 25 feet tall and wide at maturity
- Best growing zones are 9 to 11.
- Annual Growth Rate: 1.5 feet
- Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen
9. Rose of Sharon
This compact, simple-to-grow alternative produces lovely flowers all summer long and thrives in a range of environments.
- 8-12 feet tall and 6-10 feet broad at maturity
- Best growing zones: 5–9.
- Growth: 1-2 feet annually
- Evergreen vs. Deciduous: Deciduous
10. Crepe Myrtle
During the spring and summer, this tiny tree blooms with pink, crepe-like flowers and stunning green foliage.
- Size at Maturity: 6 to 15 feet wide and 15 to 25 feet tall
- Best growing zones: 6–9.
- Growth: 2 feet annually
- Evergreen vs. Deciduous: Deciduous
11. Serviceberry
The serviceberry tree is a great treat all year round, bearing exquisite white blossoms in the spring and stunningly colored leaves in the fall.
- Average adult height and width are 15 to 25 feet.
- Zones 4–8 are ideal for growing.
- Growth: 1-2 feet annually
- Evergreen vs. Deciduous: Deciduous
12. Dwarf Fruit Trees
Dwarf fruit trees come in a variety of varieties. You can obtain a lovely garden element, such as olive or apple trees, and a snack all at once.
- Average adult height: 8 to 10 feet
- Best for Grow Zones: This varies every tree, although certain trees may work in zones 3 through 9.
- Growth Rate: 1-2 years to reach full size.
- Depending on the kind, either deciduous or evergreen
Considerations When Selecting Trees To Plant Close to Your House
- The finest tree to plant close to your house has a modest but sturdy root system. Larger root systems may have an adverse effect on your foundation, and unstable root systems may increase the likelihood of a tree falling on your home.
- Cleaning: An overabundance of natural material on your roof can harm its structural integrity. Some trees, like the linden, can draw pests.
- Growth Rate and Mature Size: Take note of the tree’s anticipated mature height. Your home’s foundation could be damaged by one that is overly large.
- Evergreen vs. Deciduous: An evergreen tree offers more continuous year-round privacy and shade.
- Safety: Cottonwood trees, for example, have shallow root systems that make them susceptible to decay and instability during storms.
- Shade: A tree near your home may provide some pleasant shade. However, bear in mind that planting shade-loving plants beneath a tree will be necessary.
Which Trees Should Not Be Planted Close to a House
In order to protect the health of your foundation, a number of trees should be avoided. Ash, oak, and poplar trees are a few of these trees.
All of these trees will attempt to encroach upon or grow beneath your foundation. Willows shouldn’t be planted too close to your home since their root systems are drawn to pipes.