Choosing the right trees to plant near your house is crucial for several reasons. They can provide shade, enhance curb appeal, and increase property value, but it’s important to consider their growth habits and potential impact on your home. Here are nine of the best trees to plant close to a house, along with those you may want to avoid:

Best Trees to Plant:

1. Amur Maple (Acer ginnala): A small tree that works well in tight spaces and offers beautiful fall colors.

2. Crabapple (Malus spp.): These offer stunning spring blossoms and come in many varieties that stay small enough for home gardens.

3. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): Known for its stunning foliage and manageable size, making it perfect for close quarters.

4. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.): Provides lovely flowers and can serve as an attractive privacy screen.

5. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.): A native tree with multi-season interest: white spring flowers, edible summer fruit, and vibrant fall foliage.

6. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Offers beautiful pink blooms in early spring before the foliage emerges.

7. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida): Famous for its springtime flowers and moderate growth habit.

8.American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana): Also known as ‘Musclewood,’ this tree has attractive bark and foliage with a compact form.

9. Dwarf Korean Lilac Tree (Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’): Ideal for those who love lilacs but have limited space.

Trees to Avoid:

1. Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum): Has fast-growing roots that can damage foundations, sidewalks, and pipes.

2. Willow Trees (Salix spp.): Their vigorous roots seek out water sources aggressively, which could mean trouble for your plumbing.

3. Poplar Trees (Populus spp.): Fast-growing and brittle; these trees can present a danger due to falling limbs or uprooting during storms.

4. Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’): While attractive, it’s prone to splitting under duress and has become an invasive species in some areas.

In summary, when choosing trees to plant near your home, consider ones that have non-invasive roots, grow at a moderate pace, and fit the scale of your property without overshadowing or damaging structures over time. Consciously avoiding those with aggressive root systems or poor structural integrity will save you from future headaches and potential damage to your property.