4 Things to Consider Before Planting a Tree Near Your Home

Planting a tree is one of the best investments you can make in your property. It provides shade, improves curb appeal, increases your home’s value, and benefits the environment for decades to come.

But before you head to the nursery, it’s important to think beyond what the tree looks like today.

Many homeowners choose a tree based on its appearance or how quickly it grows, without considering how large it will become or how roots and branches may impact nearby structures. While there isn’t a “bad” tree to plant, there are trees that need more space than the average yard can provide.

If you’re planning to add a tree to your landscape, here are four things to think about before choosing the perfect spot.

1. Consider the Root System

A tree’s roots are just as important as its canopy, but they’re often overlooked because they’re out of sight.

While healthy tree roots generally don’t damage solid foundations, they naturally grow toward water and areas of least resistance. Over time, large or shallow root systems can lift sidewalks, buckle patios, damage retaining walls, and grow into existing cracks in sewer or drain lines.

Some trees simply have more aggressive root systems than others. For example:

• Silver Maples are popular because they grow quickly and provide plenty of shade. But, they also develop wide, shallow root systems that frequently interfere with sidewalks and lawns.
• Willow trees are known for seeking out moisture, making them a poor choice near sewer lines, septic systems, or underground utilities.
• Cottonwoods develop expansive root systems that are better suited for large rural properties than smaller residential lots.

Before planting any tree, be sure to contact Gopher State One Call (811) to have underground utilities marked. A little planning can help protect both your new tree and your property.

2. Think About the Tree’s Mature Size

A common mistake homeowners make is planting a tree based on how it looks today rather than how it will look 20 or 30 years from now.

That small sapling may eventually grow 60 feet tall with branches stretching well beyond your roofline. If it’s planted too close to your home, you’ll likely deal with constant pruning, clogged gutters, blocked windows, and branches rubbing against the roof during windy weather. Consider these examples:

• Bur Oaks are a beautiful native Minnesota tree that can easily grow more than 70 feet tall with an equally impressive canopy.
• White Pines are another favorite for privacy, but mature trees can reach 60 to 80 feet tall and require plenty of open space.
• Norway Maples, which seem manageable when young, can develop a broad, dense canopy that quickly outgrows a small yard.

Before planting, always check the tree’s expected mature height and spread. Planning for the future now can save you from costly maintenance or even tree removal later.

3. Know That Some Are More Vulnerable to Storm Damage

Minnesota weather can be unpredictable. Summer thunderstorms, strong winds, heavy snow, and ice can all put trees to the test.

While no tree is immune to storm damage, some species are naturally more susceptible to broken limbs and structural failure than others. Fast-growing trees often produce weaker wood, while others develop narrow branch angles that make splitting more likely during severe weather. For instance:

• Boxelders grow quickly but are known for brittle limbs that can snap during high winds.
• Siberian Elms are another fast-growing species that commonly lose branches during storms, especially as they mature.

Even trees that appear healthy may be more vulnerable if they’ve developed multiple trunks or weak branch unions over time. Choosing a tree with strong structure (and providing regular pruning as it grows) can help reduce the risk of storm damage for years to come.

4. Don’t Forget About Maintenance

Every tree requires some level of maintenance, but some demand much more attention than others. Before planting, consider how much cleanup and ongoing care you’re willing to take on. Some higher-maintenance examples include:

• Silver Maples produce large amounts of helicopter seeds each spring and often require more frequent pruning because of their rapid growth.
• Cottonwoods are well known for the cotton-like fluff they release, along with their tendency to drop large branches as they age.
• Apple trees offer beautiful spring blooms, but fallen fruit can attract insects and wildlife if it’s not picked up regularly.
• Black Walnut trees produce large, heavy walnuts that can create a significant cleanup task each fall.

None of these trees are inherently “bad.” But, they may not be the right fit if you’re hoping for a low-maintenance landscape.

Choose the Right Tree for the Right Place

The best tree for your yard isn’t necessarily the fastest-growing or the one with the prettiest leaves. It’s the one that’s planted in the right location.

By considering a tree’s mature size, root system, storm resistance, and maintenance requirements before planting, you can enjoy all the benefits trees have to offer without creating unnecessary headaches down the road.

If you’re unsure which tree is best for your property or where it should be planted, the experienced team at Ivan’s Tree Service is here to help and provide expert tree care to help your investment thrive for years to come.