Many homeowners plant trees to enhance the landscape of their front yard or back garden. Planting trees around the house boosts curb appeal and provides fresh air and shade. While the benefits of trees for your property cannot be underestimated, careful planning is crucial when planting. Assess the area where you plan to plant the tree.

Consider these tips on where to plant a tree on your property:

Where to Plant a Tree on Your Property

1. Avoid Power Lines – Plant large, house-shading trees away from distribution and transmission power lines. If your house is near these lines, plant only low-growing trees (not taller than 20 feet at maturity):

  • Crabapple
  • Lilac
  • Japanese White Pines
  • Russian Olive
  • Tea Tree

2. Give Sewer Line Room – Tree roots naturally grow deep within the ground. The main function of roots is to absorb soil nutrients. Roots tend to spread wide and deep to reach abundant moisture and “food.” The sewer line can attract a root system because it is a great source of water, nutrients, and oxygen. When roots reach the sewer, they can crack or rupture the piping system and result in leaks. The roots can quickly grow into the damaged pipes and hinder the flow of wastewater, leading to blockage. Sewage may cause health problems. To avoid expensive repair, plant trees away from the sewer line or create a barrier between them.

Where to Plant a Tree on Your Property

The following trees can be damaging to a sewer line:

  • Willows
  • Rubber Trees
  • Fig Trees
  • Poplar
  • Elms
  • Pine Trees

3. Plant Metres Away from the House – While tree branches provide shade, they could damage the roof and the gutters. The expanding root system can be also destructive to the foundation and may lift up pavement and lightweight structures (e.g. shed and garage). To avoid major problems, plant a tree several metres away from the house or other building structures. Use the following guideline to help determine the distance the tree should be planted from your house or other structures, and consult a tree expert:

Where to Plant a Tree on Your Property

Mature Tree Height (ft.) Distance from the Structure (ft.)
1 to 25 10
25 to 50 15 to 20
50 and above 30 to 50

 

Newly-planted trees do not need to be destructive to your property. Please call Dave Lund Tree Service and Forestry Co Ltd. at (905) 884-0511 for tree planting assistance and continued care. We are happy to evaluate your property and provide expert advice on how and where to safely plant your trees.