Do you know which trees you should not plant in your yard? Landscaping is the best way to give your curb appeal a boost. Additionally, the right trees will create much-needed shade and provide a home for nature’s creatures. But just because the local nursery sells a tree doesn’t mean you should buy it. Avoid these trees like the plague if you want a stress-free, easy-to-maintain yard.
1. The Oh-So Fragile Bradford Pear
Planting a young tree means you’ll wait years before you can enjoy its beauty. That’s why so many homeowners and neighborhood builders choose the Bradford pear. Unlike other popular trees, these seedlings grow at record rates. It only takes about five years for this species to reach an impressive 15 feet. Compare that to the ten years it takes an average oak tree to grow to the same height, and it’s no wonder why the Bradford pear has gained so much notoriety.
So, what’s the problem? Growing fast doesn’t always mean growing strong. Bradford pears have a reputation for cracking and splitting on stormy days. Unless you want to wake up to find a tree branch on the roof of your car, you should avoid this tree at all costs.
2. The Yard-Destroying Silver Maple
Another quick-growing tree is the silver maple. This tree grows like a weed, averaging about 5-7 feet a year. Silver maples also create a large canopy of shade and turn beautiful shades of red in the fall. But, homeowners should only enjoy this beautiful tree from a distance.
The root system of the silver maple is always in seek of better, wetter soil. If you plant one, it’s only a matter of time before these shallow roots wreak havoc on your yard. You may find yourself calling a plumber to remove roots from your sewer system or repair pipe leaks. Silver maple trees can also cause sidewalks and driveways to buckle. This picturesque tree causes more harm and headaches than not.
3. The High-Maintenance Sycamore
Sycamore trees have a tall, elegant stature. They grow about two feet a year, and the average specimen can reach heights of 40-100 feet. These trees have thick, sturdy branches, which many kids love to climb. Sycamore trees are a welcome addition to any park or forest, but this majestic tree may not be suitable in your backyard.
The Sycamore’s thick bark attracts a variety of pests and fungi, and an infestation may weaken the structure of the trunk and branches. And trust us, you don’t want to deal with the aftermath when one of these massive trees uproots in your yard. To further complicate things, Sycamore trees make a huge mess. If you plant one, expect to spend hours on end picking up bark drop, raking huge leaves, and removing seedpods.
Leave Tree Planting to the Experts
Every yard needs a tree, but not every tree is the right fit for your yard. If you need help picking out the perfect tree for your property, Engram’s Tree Service can help. We have over 25 years of experience in the tree care and service industry. With a certified arborist on staff, there’s no tree dilemma we can’t solve. Contact us to learn which trees you should not plant in your yard and which ones you don’t want to live without.