Nature has spawned some bad seeds, so to speak, in the form of invasive species that smell like crap or have roots that bust water pipes. Maple-leaf image by HannaSigel from Fotolia.com. However, if it isn’t maintained … This large deciduous tree is beautiful in its appearance, but has an aggressive root … Chinese redbud. Mint is a practical and great-smelling herb to grow yourself. Fortunately, Virginia Tech has a publication on selecting trees … Be sure to pick a disease-resistant tree … The magnolia is fairly easy to grow and comparatively pest-free, but it has an odd root system. American smoketree enjoys sun or part shade. Closely related to the common Fig tree, this non-native tree gained popularity because of its multi-season interest as an evergreen tree with versatile uses. All Rights Reserved. Top three trees for narrow spaces. Growing 20 to 35 feet tall, it often spreads the same distance. It prefers … Sycamore trees. Little King, a dwarf cultivar, only grows 10 to 12 feet tall. Invasive roots can damage pathways, driveways and retaining walls, block drains and pipes, cause trip hazards, kill other plants in your garden and damage pools. Bird Attracting, Invasive Roots, Shade Growing Plants, Water Wise Plants Plant I.D. Here are my top choices for your screening problem. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Close-up of a river birch tree image by ryasick from, University of Massachusetts Extension: Trees, Shrubs and Vines. The tree can grow up to 60 feet tall and 50 feet wide in USDA zones 7 through 9, where it prefers full sun. In addition, landscapers can plant noninvasive species closer to buildings or roads with less fear of damage from the tree’s root system. The best types of trees to pick include oaks, walnut trees, hickory and conifers… The tree can grow 36 inches per year, reaching up to 35 feet tall with a 30-foot spread. How Close Should I Plant a Tree from a Driveway? Evergreen Shade Tree With Noninvasive Roots & No Droppings. Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) thrives in full sun in USDA zones 10 through 11. Indian Horsechestnut (Aesculus indica) meets all the criteria you would want in a tree that's fast growing – up to 36 inches a year – with very dense shade, strong branches and little … But in some cases, subsidence and structural damage can be linked to tree roots. The usual response to remedy the situation is either to cut the roots or add fill soil over the roots and then replanting grass or ground cover. Trees that have long, lateral roots are bad choices because they harm foundations. As well as being tall but narrow, these plants generally don’t have invasive roots, don’t need regular pruning and don’t steal all the light by casting dense shade. Trident maple offers color from spring to fall. Here … If you like to see leaves all year, some evergreens provide shade, quick growth and low potential for hardscape destruction. Invasive tree roots can be very destructive. Lundman belongs to numerous gardening groups, tends her home garden on 2/3 acre and volunteers with professional horticulturists at a 180 acre public garden where she lives on Bainbridge Island in Washington State. Trees that lose their leaves in fall may not shade you in the winter, but that's when you'd like more light anyway. The Cully variety of Heritage river birch, or Betula nigra, is a native of North America with a medium growth rate. Native plants also have roots that spread out to get available water, but in most cases they reach deeply into the ground and for the most part, the … In addition, it prefers soil at a pH of 5 to 7. If you do, it will grow under your foundation and harm it. She has written more than 75 gardening articles and contributed business articles to Yahoo Business and Yahoo Finance. In spring, new red leaves emerge that develop into a deep green color. They tolerate sun or part shade. Evergreen alder (Alnus acuminata) Also known as A. jorullensis, these trees are not suitable for small backyards as they grow to a massive size. Beverly Nation fell in love with plants while working at a greenhouse. Cercis chinensis is a beautiful tree that can be found in weeping varieties. Understanding the factors involved in tree damage to buildings, including soil type and depth of foundations, will help both tree … with very dense shade, strong branches and little likelihood for damage from its roots. 1. Maple trees, ash trees and cottonwoods are trees you should not pick because they are known for growing invasive, lateral trees roots. A common mistake is to plant large trees whose root systems, over time, can unsettle the foundation, this mistake can be costly for the homeowner and may result in replacing the foundation. The tree is native to southeastern Asia and the eastern United States. Indian Horsechestnut (Aesculus indica) meets all the criteria you would want in a tree that's fast growing – up to 36 inches a year –. On the downside, this species is prone to developing sooty mold. This tree prefers full sun or part shade. Trident maple, or Acer buergerianum, is a deciduous shade tree that grows 20 to 25 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Crabapple (Zones 3-8): A short, flowering tree that matures at about 20 feet tall. Watch out for the thorns all over the plant. Tree roots that grow on the surface are difficult to mow or walk over and can affect the growth and health of nearby grass and ground covers. Honey Gem Orange Grevillea Native with non-invasive roots. All are evergreen, trouble-free and fast growing. Planted in the garden, these figs develop into huge trees, with invasive roots that crack water pipes and damage foundations.