How Far Should You Plant Trees From Building Foundations?

Growing trees around your home can enhance your property’s aesthetic appeal, provide shade, and boost its overall value. However, if you don’t plant them at the correct distance from your foundation, it can lead to issues that may devalue your home. Learn below how far you should plant from building foundations to keep both your property and trees healthy.

Why This Distance Is Important

Before examining how far away you should plant your trees, it is important to understand why this is so important. Below are several reasons that illustrate why keeping your trees a fair distance from your home is crucial.

Your Soil Will Stay Healthy

When you plant your trees the correct distance from your building, the soil around the tree and your foundation will stay healthy. As your trees grow, they will go to your soil for nutrients.

However, if they are too close to your foundation, they may lose access to soil with essential resources. They may also cause the soil to move and shift, putting pressure on your foundation.

Maintaining an appropriate distance allows the soil to remain aerated and rich in nutrients. Healthy soil also has better water drainage capabilities, reducing the risk of water pooling. Excessive moisture can hurt your foundation, causing it to experience leaks or additional structural problems.

It Helps You Prevent Foundation Damage

Another important reason to plant your trees a safe distance from your building is to prevent foundation damage. Tree roots naturally seek out water and nutrients but can find their way into foundations, causing cracks and destabilization. Over time, these roots can exert pressure on your foundation, leading to significant structural damage that will be costly for you to repair.

Roots can also create pathways for water to seep into the foundation, exacerbating the damage caused by excessive moisture. By planting trees at a safe distance, you minimize the risk of roots interfering with your foundation, maintaining the structural integrity of your home.

Careful Planting Avoids Sewer Clogging

Planting your trees too close to your home can also cause trees’ roots to end up in sewer lines. Invading the sewer can lead to clogged or damaged sewer pipes, resulting in expensive repairs and potentially severe sanitation issues on your property.

Maintaining an appropriate distance better ensures that root systems do not invade sewer lines, protecting your plumbing infrastructure. This proactive measure can save homeowners significant time and money and prevent the inconveniences associated with sewer line repairs and replacements.

The Branches Won’t Scratch Your House

Being mindful of where you plant your trees will also prevent other physical damage to your home’s structure. If you plant them too close, their branches may extend toward your building, scratching your windows, siding, and roofs. The branches can also break off during storms and cause additional damage.

By ensuring that you plant the trees at a safe distance, you can prevent this damage from occurring and increase your home’s level of safety. Additionally, you will prevent water on the branches from touching your home, which could otherwise cause mold development.

Look at the Maximum Height Your Tree Will Grow

After reviewing these reasons, it’s time to learn how far you should plant trees from building foundations. The first step is to take the tree’s eventual height into consideration. For example, if you expect your tree to grow to about 25 feet, make sure you have it at least 10 feet away from your foundation.

However, if you think it will grow between 25 and 50 feet, stretch that distance to at least 15 feet or extend it to 20 to be safe. If you expect your tree to go beyond 50 feet, you will want your distance to fall between 30 and 50 feet.

Consider What Type of Tree You Have

You should also take into consideration the type of tree that you are planting. Different types of trees have varied growth patterns, root structures, and canopy spreads.

For example, maple and spruce trees have roots that extend out from their bases, so you’ll want to give them enough room away from your foundation. In addition, certain species are notorious for their invasive roots, which can cause significant damage to foundations, driveways, and sewer lines.

For example, willow and poplar trees have particularly aggressive root systems, and you should plant them far from any structures. Conversely, dogwood or redbud trees have less invasive roots, making them safer choices for trees you can plant close to your home.

Don’t Forget About Access to Sunlight

One last factor to consider when planting trees is whether they will have access to sunlight in their final locations. Trees require adequate light for photosynthesis, which is essential for their growth and overall health. Before planting, evaluate the sun’s path and determine how nearby structures or other trees may cast shadows.

Ensure that the chosen location provides sufficient sunlight throughout the day for the specific species you are planting. For instance, fruit trees need at least six hours of sunlight daily, while flowering trees require at least eight. The right amount of sunlight allows them to produce the fruit and flowers you’re looking forward to.

Moreover, consider how the tree’s growth will affect sunlight access for your home and other surrounding plants. As trees mature, their canopies can create significant shade, impacting the growth of grass, shrubs, and gardens underneath.

In some cases, the shade cast by a mature tree might be beneficial, providing cooling effects in the summer and reducing energy costs for air conditioning. However, a canopy that is too close to the structure can also block necessary airflow and sunlight, leading to dampness and mold growth on building walls. Planning for adequate sunlight ensures a balanced and thriving environment for your trees and your property.

Using these tips for planting trees near your foundation will allow you to take better care of your property and the trees themselves. You can better maintain the health of your trees by hiring All Around Arbor Tree Service. Our tree trimming services in Portland will help you extend the lives of your trees and improve the look and safety of your landscape.