I want to plant some trees near my house.?

Question

I would like to plant some trees near my house, I was thinking about a Eucalyptus, a Walnut and maybe cherry. problem is the house is only about 8 metres away from where I want to plant the trees. Will the roots effect the foundations (even if the house is at a higher level than the trees I want to plant) and make them structural unsafe? Also, I am in trouble of causing to much change in the water table which again could effect the foundations?

What trees would you recommend if none of the above.

Answer 1

It REALLY depends on what type of foundation. Slab (Concrete) or pier and beam. Is there a basement?

Check what type of trees attract TERMITES.. Some species have a higher appeal to bugs.

Black Walnut… If you have animals the leaves are a natural deterrent to FLEAS.

FRUIT trees may bring Rodents, Squirrels I don’t mind but Rats.. UG
If it IS a fruit tree then make sure you have a sound house. The critters will make your home theirs!

ONLY 8’… Me personally I’d do CRAPE MYRTLE… VERY pretty and flowers mid summer to fall.…
Watch out there are 3 different species. Dwarf, Shrub and Tree…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crape-myrtle
I’m NOT sure what zone you are in and if they will grow there.

If you are in ZONES 4 – 8 there is the “Golden Chain” Yellow flowers that hang like wisteria, TOTALLY beautiful and grow up to 30’ TALL

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Check out this company…
Spring Hill
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Category, Sun exposure, Zone.. They give you a list… I’ve purchased from them.. Good company.

Answer 2

Don't plant a Eucalyptus. These grow to a massive size. Walnut and cherry should be okay at that distance. What about a Japanese acer. These go a lovely red in the Autumn before leaf fall. If you go to a garden centre all the information will be printed on the labels. The rule of thumb is that roots spread by twice the height of the tree. You have to consider the proximity of underground pipes which some tree roots will break into, also the fact that you won't get as much light in your house when the trees are mature.

Answer 3

Hi.
Shouldn't affect the water table at all, but you might want to do some real research on the final adult size and spread of your choice of trees. Lots of roots can cause soil shrinkage and expansion and a host of other problems to utilities. Try an RHS encyclopedia or the Collins field guide to trees, to help you pick something you like and then try a Google search for associated problems.

Have you considered digging a trench between the trees and the house and installing some kind of impermeable barrier to the roots?

The Eucalyptus gunii, with a potential height and spread of 35 x 4m, isn't probably the best idea as already stated, they get tall quickly and can be unstable some soils. It wouldn't be my choice, unless I wanted to cut it down regularly to grow a stool of new stems for the attractive smaller leaves of the juvenile growth that eucalyptus produce.

The Walnut too (Juglans regia) is a big tree at 23 x 6m. So make of that what you will. At least it's more stable than the Eucalyptus.

As for the cherries, they're probably a safer bet, but you will still want to take some advice on the species. For instance Prunus padus (Bird Cherry) has invasive roots which can ruin a lawn. It is a beautiful Cherry though. There are loads of Cherries (Prunus) to choose from though and with a bit of research I'm sure you'll find something to suit your needs.

If you're worried about pipes and foundations though, avoid Willows (Salix) and Poplars. They actively search out water (in or out of pipes) with their roots.

Here's a helpful link I found for you with distances in feet for planting distances.
http://www.homeadvisor.co.uk/trees.htm

Hope that helps. I'm sure you'll find something beautiful and practical. Don't forget trees have many more benefits than deficits.

Answer 4

No I think you will be fine, you have chosen the trees carefully. The Eucalyptus may need taming as they can grow a lot in the early stages and become too unstable so prune it hard at the end of each winter. I would plum for small or dwarf varities of all three to be honest, the water table and foundation issue won't be a problem them, besides trees are good things to have more of!
Also with dwarf fruit trees you start to get a crop after just 2 or 3 years, takes much longer with the full size versions. Any foundation issues that may arise will occur long after you and I don't have to worry about it!

Answer 5

I'm in Australia and see a lot of Eucalypts obviously.

We find the large ones are not suitable in domestic gardens for the following reasons:

Most are used to dry climates and when you put them in a domestic garden where they are regularly watered they don't need to develop a large root ball so they don't. When you have bad storms the whole 10 to 20m tree falls over exposing a 1.5 to 2m root ball.

As a way of surviving during very dry conditions, mature trees drop whole limbs to keep the bulk of the tree going.

Most of the large trees have roots that make a mess of house foundations etc.

The trees take all the nutrients and water from the area surround the tree making it nearly impossible to grow other plants under them.

Having said this, it it possible to buy small eucalpytus that are suitable for domestic gardens. Be careful in your selection, and chose one that does not continually drop bark, and don't plant any of them to close to you house. Usual rule of thumb for trees is 5 plus metres.

Answer 6

You will be fine with Eucalyptus and Cherry if you keep them pruned. Walnut is a very big tree - I wouldnt recommend planting one too close to your house. You can get some quite nice ornamental Willow trees that dont grow too big. Crab apple (Malus John Downie) is a nice one, as are the various Rowan (Sorbus) trees that are available - these provide additional colour with their berries and arent too big. Ask for advice at a good local garden centre.

Answer 7

Your impact on the water table will be insignificant.

If your home is built on a slab you may be able to avoid any foundation issues. If you are over a basement you may develop problems with the roots encroaching in a few years, but I rather doubt it; a 20 foot / 6 meter root span is pretty substantial span.

You are probably quite safe, plant your trees and enjoy!

Answer 8

Plastic will be, at best, a very temporary block. They do sell special root block material which is much heavier and denser than plastic. It would work better but not forever. As trees grow their roots have to spread out, so even if you put plastic or root block 6' down, over time the roots will find a way around it. Best plan is not to put a tree too close to a house. Close the blinds and keep your foundation safe or put some external shutters on the windows and keep them turned down so no one can see in.

Answer 9

Eucalptus tree??????????? No way. They are enormous! Our neighbour has one and its sky high and sways in high winds.We are expecting it to come down on one of the houses soon. The previous owners used to prune it but it has passed on to other owners now and is completely out of hand. We also went to see a house to buy last week and they had an enormous tree in their back garden which has damaged the drainage system and also damaged the house so badly that there are cracks in the walls right up to the third floor (attic). Yes, the owner assured us that the insurance were paying for the damage BUT will it reoccur. Needless to say we opted out of buying. Think hard before you plant these massive trees. These trees should be out in the rural areas where they can grow to their full beauty without damaging property.

Answer 10

Eucalyptus trees are beautiful - there is one opposite my house - but they do grow tall! I'd suggest that you look at the Royal Horticultural Society's website for lots of advice and inspiration about trees. Good luck.