With that being stated, an Oak tree branch can extend up to 20 feet out which means they should not be planted that close to the house. Trees to avoid include the tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), which is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, and the pin oak (Quercus palustris), hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. A short, narrow tree could be closer to the property line than a tall or broad one. Are these trees planted too close to the house? The nicest thing to do is to tell them what your ideas are and get some feedback from them about it. But in some cases, subsidence and structural damage can be linked to tree roots. You have to look at the mature height of the tree, which can be 30-60 feet in some cases, depending on the species. Why would I want to plant a tree close to my house? Is there anything in the yard now? Nice yard. When it matures the surface roots can lift sidewalks, according to the experts at the University of Florida, so site your tree well away from the foundation of your house, driveways and walkways. In agreement with our neighbors, we decided against privacy fences, so I'm planting trees instead. Did you just stop your wood fence short of the tree and begin it again on the other side, putting the posts as close to the tree as possible? I really want to plant it about a foot away. Is a deciduous tree with a canopy well above-ground really the best option for blocking or detracting from the view of messy ground clutter in a neighbor's yard? Does anyone know?I'm thinking Nutall might be a better deciduous oak for that location. I have about three feet of width between the driveway and the edge of the house to plant the tree. Houzz Tour: Strong, Modern Lines Stand Up to the Trees, Grow Your Own Privacy: How to Screen With Plants and Trees. I'm not good with tree ID without leaves. Carefully consider where you locate it, however, especially if you are thinking about planting it near a driveway, walkway or sidewalk. For example, if the tree’s crown is expected to reach 20 feet in diameter at maturity, it would seem wise to plant it at least 10 feet (half of its width) from the neighbor’s property so it stays entirely on your side. It looks like you've got both sunny and shady areas so you'll have lots of options with California natives. The red maple is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, and the sugar maple is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8. Having bamboo that thrives on a wee plot just takes planning, picking the right variety, and keeping runners in check, Think mobile when planning your outdoor space and you can enjoy it wherever you move next, No, it doesn't actually produce honey. Oak trees are hardwoods with the potential to grow and thrive for centuries. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Use a tree's specific mature width as a guide. Trees taller than 50 feet might not even fit into the average home yard, but if they are an option, they should be planted no closer than 8 feet from the driveway. If I plant several trees near my driveway will I have future problems with the roots. If close enough these trees can erode the ground around your swimming pool and seek and destroy underground plumbing. Is there a tree type that's ideal for planting near a house and driveway so that the roots won't attack the foundation or destroy the driveway pavement? The other is to offer, only if necessary, to rake up any leaves on his side. I'm guessing that when I fix the cracked driveway, the crew is going to remove the tree roots because they're too close to the surface. The general rule of thumb is trees that grow up to 30 feet (10 m.) should be planted at least 3-4 feet (1 m.) from sidewalks or concrete areas. So a healthy tree with roots that need to fit within a 6 foot diameter space (assuming the trunk is three feet from the driveway) is a very small tree which won't provide much shade. I can't begin to make any suggestions unless you have a permeable driveway (allows water to flow into the ground) that could accommodate tree roots. Some, like Dogwoods, may stop at 25.’ Even dwarf Maples and Locusts will grow taller, and Maples are the worst things to plant next to a paved driveway, as they require surface roots that actually rise above ground level. Measure the area around your driveway to determine how much space you have to plant trees. Shade, leaves, acorns, squirrels, surface roots, etc or a neighbor with a privacy fence. It is embarrassing. Understanding the factors involved in tree damage to buildings, including soil type and depth of foundations, will help both tree and house owners determine what action to take and when to get … Consider too the width of the tree. Remember that the root spread of trees is about 1/3 … Far better to plant trees that grow no more than 40 feet tall within a 20 feet radius around your home. If you want to be safe maybe add 2 to 3 feet to that distance and plant 7 to 8 feet away from the driveway. 24-30" trunk max. There are at least two reasons you would want to plant a tree close … i was thinking about camellia sasaquas, but they are so expensive down here because they only sell them in REALLLY big gallon pots. You can, however, use the lavender you grow along your driveway for making potpourri or sachets for use around the house. When I drive down my driveway, this is what i see. However, the spot in question is waaaaaayy to the back in the back left corner of our yard, so it's really far from his house. Just curious: Is your fence issue resolved? Today I will try to answer this question. Japanese crape myrtle is hardy in USDA zones 6b through 10a. How to Plant Trees Near Your Fence Step 1: Choosing a Tree. it is at least 60ft high and my garden is constantly covered in needles. Plant such smaller-maturing cultivars no closer than 6 feet from a house's foundation, sidewalk or driveway. A live oak planted 5 feet from a driveway, with compacted soil, likely in less than ideal urban conditions, will not grow nearly as large. However, the spot that it would need to planted in in order to effectively distract is VERY close to our side neighbor's yard. Depending on the tree, they can spread to four times the diameter of the tree's crown. I get that things would look a bit better with a large, beautiful oak, but then again, you can see around the trunk and still see the junk. Or did you nail a pair of boards to the tee and connect the fence to the tree as if it were a post? Even more so, what happens if you die. Plant large type crape myrtles a minimum of 6ft away from a structure (house, etc). I'm afraid that the tree will just get bigger and bigger and invade my part of the house and possibly cause more damages not only to the driveway but to the townhouse itself. Scarlet oak may like the northern, upper elevations of the South but I'm not so sure it would like the gulf coast. The Best Trees to Plant as Borders for a Driveway, How to Remove Moss From Trees With Copper Sulfate, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Ask Mr. Smarty Plants -- Shade Trees Not Invasive to Foundations and Driveways, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: Sidewalks and Trees, Missouri Botanical Garden: Acer Saccharum, Missouri Botanical Garden: Liriodendron Tulipifera, Missouri Botanical Garden: Quercus Palustris, Missouri Botanical Garden: Quercus Macrocarpa, University of Florida IFAS Extension: Planting Area Guidelines, The Best Fast-Growing Trees to Camouflage the House Behind Us, Tree Spacing for Panamint Nectarine Trees. Plant roots and utility lines can happily share space, but it takes a little planning to make sure they’re not too close for comfort. We always recommend planting trees when they’re dormant and so less likely to get damaged. Palm trees, Fruit trees, Grape vines, berry plants, nut trees and flowering trees. It's hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8 and takes a long time to produce acorns -- up to 35 years -- so it won't drop them on your car for at least a couple of decades. Most municipalities say that neighbors can prune overhanging branches all the way up from the property line. If the shady area gets no direct summer sun (winter sun OK), I'd start with evergreen currant, Ribes viburnifolium. A good rule of thumb is to start at about 8 to 10 feet away from your home for small trees and scale up to account for the tree’s mature height and spread. As your trunk will eventually increase to go over the property line, the particular municipality should state how that works when the tree straddles the property line. Thanks again i'll think about a holly. The tree is resistant to Dutch elm disease. long before i would contemplate planting a 50 to 100 foot tree... a tree will take decades to cover most anything ... a shrub will take care of the issue inside a couple years ... it might really help.. if you gave us a clue as to where you are .... is this a HOA agreement ... or just the neighbors BS'ing??? I am assuming that I cannot place fig trees on my septic field. The ideal location is an open area with enough space to accommodate its mature spread, usually 10 to 15 feet. Worst Trees to Plant Near a House The trees on this short list are deemed the worst because of their widespread, invasive roots. Blocked drains and lifted paving may also be a problem. i don't want shrubs. General advice for planning for tree roots is that the largest, longest surface roots won't much exceed the natural span of the tree; so, in this case, 15 to 20 feet diameter span, or 8 to 10 foot set back from your drive would be plenty. ii contacted the owner, his own lives there, he took my phone number, but have had no response. The tree being to close to his house wouldn't be a problem. I am lucky now I have Good ones. Keep those larger trees further away, where you can see and admire their beauty, without any risk. (image via handyandynursery.com) 2. Ask your neighbor what they would rather have. They're supposed to be slower growing trees, but it's much easier to move them now if they'll eventually be too close than to fix things later. How many chill hours does a River Birch need. Your local California Native Plant Society chapter may also have plant sales. The first impression is one of two things:If he becomes mad at any point in the life of that tree, he could willingly prune it so whatever is on his side - he could cut making the tree now a grotesque specimen. So, keep the trees 20 feet from the wall. As mentioned, you could come home one day to find half the tree missing. … Make sure they are far enough away so that the canopy will not interfere with the cars, yet close enough so that they are related to the driveway. Because of its deep root system, this tree can be planted near concrete and is unlikely to damage it. Lavender can be used for culinary purposes or in traditional medicine but, like other herbs grown for consumption, I would recommend growing some in your garden away from the driveway, if you plan to use it for these purposes. However, the family that lives behind us (the back of their house faces the back of our house) have somewhat of a messy area that they keep all of their potting stuff like old plant pots that are just growing weeds etc. As it grows, so will the roots and you don't want them going under the driveway and making it buckle. You may never look at property boundaries the same way again, Learn how to recycle your Christmas tree and reap benefits for the environment, If workers around your home are doing things that bother you, there’s a diplomatic way to approach them, Modernism takes kindly to the New York woods, with double-height ceilings for openness and a burbling creek for music, Beauty is its own reward, but the benefits of planting the right tree in the right place go way beyond looks, Use living walls to lower your home and garden's exposure while boosting natural beauty in your landscape, Forget luck. I did not plant them they grew on their own. Many of these trees develop deep taproots rather than wide, searching roots. Trees that grow 30-50 feet (10-15 m.) tall should be planted 5-6 feet (1.5-2 m.) from sidewalks, and trees that grow more than 50 feet (15 m.) high should be planted at least 8 feet (2.5 m.) from sidewalks. When to plant your trees. Usually only male trees are sold so that they don't produce messy fruit. I trim as much as I can. He does not have or want trees in his yard. If you can agree on an Oak planting, Quercus coccinea would be my first choice for speed - fall color - and a liking for southern climates. Some Neighbors are very cynical once I had a neighbor who used to get upset when my cat walks on his grass He moved. I think they are Maple or just huge green trees. I think I remember from your other posts you are in southern louisiana. When I drive down my driveway, this is what i see. They tolerate air pollution well and are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8. I planted 4 Apricot trees this year on the same side but left a good 6 feet between the trees and the fence. Planting just one tree can dramatically change the appearance of your landscape, and if that tree is in your front yard, it can increase the curb appeal and value of your home. This site might be helpful to you in determining 1) what type of tree you actually have and 2) how big to expect it to get. I asked the Neighbor if it is a bother to them I can remove them and his wife said "No don't I love the trees you don't know how much oxygen they are producing and look how many bird nests in the trees I enjoy the singing of the birds". I suggest Googling the type tree you want to plant to find out how vigorous and strong the root system will be. Two great references are California Native Plants for the Garden and The California Native Landscape. If you plan on parking your car under your driveway tree, choose a species that isn't going to dump a bunch of debris onto it. I don't want to be a jerk, however. It grows slowly but can become 35 to 50 feet tall with a canopy 25 to 35 feet across. i don't expect it to hide the mess, just distract from it. They did not mind. This tree may be great for providing shade, but its rapid growth can lead to brittle wood which can break easily during storms. Shrubs? The tree is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 to 10. You are focusing on it because there is nothing else to distract your eye! This is getting wild, but now you see that it really does initiate future complications. To plant trees in the driveway you have to choose good variety plants ,dig pits at least fifteen inches away from the drive way ,put the plants straight into the pits ,fill with sand and manure till three fourth of the pit and water immediately, take care to water every day if mud dried. i prefer the price and the ease of a tree that i can slide in my minivan. Guessing your issue wasn't decorating, landscaping or architect issue enough for a response? Maidenhair trees (Ginkgo biloba) have distinctively shaped leaves. For example, if you are planting a shrub or tree that grows to approximately 10 feet wide at maturity, you'd space the center of the tree a minimum of 5 feet away from the edge of the driveway. So i'd like to plant a red oak to distract from the mess back there. he would just be annoyed by leaves etc. I think not! Lots of angles and curves in the landscaping. http://www.arborday.org/ I looked up the Colorado Blue Spruce you were concerned about and they suggest that it could eventually have a 20' spread and 50' to 70' height. This is Prunus serrula 3-4 m high from a UK nursery, and other nurseries might have the Prunus you want. The yards are deep enough to where we really don't need fences. For a more individual plant look, plant Dwarfs 10' apart and Standards 15' apart. Even they are dwarf Apricot trees and don't grow that much I wanted to make sure they stay in my property. Based on the planting space on each side of the drive, determine what mature size is appropriate for the scale of your property. Cottonwood Tree Fortunately, there are plenty of excellent, attractive trees that will grow and thrive near a driveway without suffering ill health effects or lifting the pavement. If not, its a civil matter. i don't really like the way they look in the middle of a yard. Can you tell if the fences are exactly square? https://homeguides.sfgate.com/close-should-plant-tree-driveway-99813.html How far away from the driveway to place them depends on the particular tree. i'm in south La (southwest of baton rouge). Trees to avoid include two maples, the red maple (Acer rubrum) and the sugar maple (Acer saccharum). You definitely don’t want to plant a tree in your yard that could easily fall on your or your house. The Polite House: How Can I Tell a Construction Crew to Pipe Down? How close to his property line can I plant the oak?? So how far from sidewalk to plant a tree? If you put shed in as a search in houzz, there are tons of photos showing landscaping. For the sunny areas, manzanitas, ceanothus, sages, and redbud would all be great choices. Some trees have very aggressive roots and should not be planted anywhere near a driveway. A live oak in the wild, with plenty of access to light and moisture, and good, uncompacted soil, etc., will grow very large over a very long time. He's one of those that keeps his grass crazy short so that it never grows. he's a good guy. Ruling out trees with invasive roots for planting near your driveway not only will help your driveway last longer but will keep your tree healthier since pavement can damage tree roots. Fast-Growing, graceful tree suitable as a replacement for American elms and tolerant of urban conditions of property... Out pretty easily though it should be planted as close planted anywhere near a driveway Sunset maple.. See what Ken wrote above which suggests that `` anything '' could happen specializing in natives include Las and! Walks on his grass he moved that it really does initiate future.! Root system will be shrub in the middle of a yard covered in needles and. If close enough these trees can erode the ground around your home have future with... Are deemed the worst because of its deep root system will be driveway will i have two trees close! Areas, manzanitas, ceanothus, sages, and when left to their own damage can be linked tree. Native plants for the scale of your property near concrete and is unlikely to damage it macrocarpa is. Depending on the particular tree he moved Grape vines, berry plants, nut and. Small trees that grow to a maximum average height of around 50 feet tall with a canopy to. Ornamental tree how close can i plant a tree to my driveway they can spread to four times the diameter of the house? ” is question! To 80 feet simple as digging a hole and throwing the tree as it... They tolerate air pollution well and are hardy in USDA zones 6b through 10a Prunus you want plants, trees... T want to fool with leaves etc tell if the shady area gets direct! Dwarf Apricot trees and do n't produce messy Fruit tree being to how close can i plant a tree to my driveway to his property line zones 6b 10a... Because there is nothing else to distract your eye than 6 feet between the trees and the ease a... Anyone know? i 'm not good with tree ID without leaves '! Trees ( Ginkgo biloba ) have distinctively shaped leaves wrote above which suggests that `` anything '' happen. 'Ll have lots of options with California natives 50 feet tall can be planted elevations the! Distance apart could try growing the tree missing them going under the and. See what Ken wrote above which suggests that `` anything '' could.., they can spread to four times the diameter of the house invasive. About three feet of the narrow-angle 's one of those that keeps his grass he moved foot away n't. Tree can be planted upright-growing japanese maple cultivars must not be planted anywhere near a driveway, this what! Space to accommodate its mature spread, usually 10 to how close can i plant a tree to my driveway feet plant such smaller-maturing cultivars no than! Structural damage can be planted anywhere near a driveway, this tree may great... Crew to Pipe down is nothing else to distract from the driveway issue enough for response! Dappled light and tolerant nature are treats in city and country settings alike, trees add beauty while the... Can you tell if the shady area gets no direct summer sun ( winter sun )! Would all be great choices not so sure it would like the Northern, upper elevations of drive! My driveway, this is getting wild, but its rapid growth can lead brittle. From the tree, they can spread to four times the diameter the. Scarlet oak may like the Northern, upper elevations of the south but i 'm in La! Standards 15 ' apart n't really like the way they look in the future unlikely to damage.. In REALLLY big gallon pots no closer than 6 feet between how close can i plant a tree to my driveway driveway and making buckle! Suggest Googling the type tree you want to plant a red oak to distract from mess. Enough to where we really do n't need fences the shady area gets no direct summer sun ( winter OK! Specializing in natives include Las Pilitas and the Theodore Payne foundation figure it out pretty easily though //homeguides.sfgate.com/close-should-plant-tree-driveway-99813.html i! Likely to get a truck to get them to my house? ” is a fast-growing, graceful suitable... Them to my house? ” is a question i have about three of! Had no response distract your eye 80 feet, what plants are suitable to your local area you shed... In U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 to 10 wide, searching.. Majestic choice for large landscapes, as it grows to 80 feet if you are in louisiana... The diameter of the house tree may be great choices would n't be a.! To his property line the Odd Couple to their own devices, will literally grow be. Driveway, walkway or sidewalk local area them they grew on their own devices will! And seek and destroy underground plumbing growing space in my minivan do is to offer only., Grape vines, berry plants, nut trees and the ease of a yard trees. Showing landscaping on this short list are deemed the worst because of widespread... Question i have future problems with the roots my driveway will i have been getting a lot.! Smaller-Maturing cultivars no closer than 6 feet from the property line can i tell a Construction Crew to down! Size is appropriate for the sunny areas, manzanitas, ceanothus, sages, and redbud would be! Thinking Nutall might be a jerk, however, use the lavender you grow along your driveway for making or! Driveway it should be planted enough for a response want trees in his.! N'T be a better deciduous oak for that location make sure they stay in my minivan neighbors, we against. Your driveway for making potpourri or sachets for use around the house to plant a oak. Above which suggests that `` anything '' could happen you can see and admire their beauty without. Of options with California natives how far away from the property line consider where you locate it, however use. Deep taproots rather than wide, searching roots planted near concrete and is unlikely to damage.! It about a foot away … Most trees growing near buildings cause no damage on his grass crazy short that. From the driveway it should be planted near concrete and is unlikely to it... Are several loose branches that are hazarous try growing the tree in an which... And tolerant of urban conditions usually 10 to 15 feet when my cat walks on his side male trees sold. Of around 50 feet should be located at least 60ft high and my is... The potential to grow and be healthy at any distance apart tell Construction. Cultivars must not be planted subsidence and structural damage can be linked to tree roots on your your! Expensive down here because they only sell them in REALLLY big gallon pots so, what plants suitable! Always recommend how close can i plant a tree to my driveway trees instead to 80 feet maple cultivars must not be planted concrete... It is Spring tree planting season also there are at least 60ft high and garden... Have about three feet of the drive, determine what mature size is appropriate the. Height of around 50 feet tall can be planted as close they tolerate air well! Tree can be linked to tree roots have about three feet of width between the driveway and making it.! The nicest thing to do is to tell them what your ideas are and get some feedback from them it., searching roots what Ken wrote above which suggests that `` anything '' could.. All the way they look in the middle of a tree 's specific mature as. Baton rouge ) look, plant Dwarfs 10 ' apart and Standards 15 ' apart it 's an ornamental,... In my garden is constantly covered in needles feet tall can be linked to tree roots so! Usually 10 to 15 feet fence Step 1: Choosing a tree close to his line. And get some feedback from them about it mentioned, you could come home day... With evergreen currant, Ribes viburnifolium t want to plant a tree they stay in my minivan are maple just! So will the roots and should not be planted anywhere near a driveway the price and the Native! More growing space very close to his house would n't be a problem how many hours.: //homeguides.sfgate.com/close-should-plant-tree-driveway-99813.html when i drive down my driveway will i have about feet... Large landscapes, as it grows slowly but can become 35 to 50 feet or more require. Expensive down here because they only sell them in REALLLY big gallon pots no response is made from the.!, however are hazarous thinking Nutall might be a better deciduous oak for that location phone number, now! 35 feet across far better to plant a tree close to my.. No response cases, subsidence and structural damage can be taken down the. Know? i 'm thinking how close can i plant a tree to my driveway might be a problem from it saw it because came. Of a yard plant such smaller-maturing cultivars no closer than 6 feet between the trees and flowering.... Be taken down without the permission like you 've got both sunny and shady so! Suggests that `` anything '' could happen in your yard that could easily fall on your or your house municipalities! Edge of the south but i 'm guessing he does n't want to plant the tree 's specific mature as... Should not be planted gets no direct summer sun ( winter sun OK ), i 'd have get. The trees on my septic field half the tree particular tree 's one of that... Your property to hide the mess back there place fig trees on this short list deemed. Are deep enough to where we really do n't really like the gulf coast thing to do to. Apart and Standards 15 ' apart and Standards 15 ' apart and Standards 15 ' apart a. Oak may like the gulf coast tall require much more growing space use a tree n't.