8 Yard Features That’ll Make You Regret Planting Trees There

Trees can make or break a yard, and the biggest mistake is putting them somewhere they seem fine at the time. Fast-forward five or ten years, and they’re ruining foundations, blocking sunlight, or dropping leaves where you don’t want them. Before you plant, think long-term—here’s what to avoid planting too close to.

Near the Septic System

Roots love moisture, and tree roots don’t stop growing once they find a good water source. If you plant trees near the septic field or tank, don’t be surprised when roots invade the lines and clog things up. Keep them way back—farther than feels necessary.

Close to the House

That little sapling looks manageable now, but most trees don’t stay polite. Branches over the roof drop leaves and break shingles. Roots lift foundations or mess with plumbing. Even shade trees should be kept a safe distance from the house to prevent long-term problems.

Next to a Fence Line

Trees planted along the fence might give some quick privacy, but eventually they lean, drop limbs, or even knock fences down. They also make it hard to maintain the fence itself. If you can’t mow or paint behind it, you’ll regret how tight the setup becomes.

Under Power Lines

Plenty of people do this without thinking, but power companies will cut your tree back—and it won’t be pretty. It’ll get hacked to whatever shape fits clearance guidelines, even if that ruins the look. Avoid planting anything that gets tall under overhead lines.

Beside the Garden

Shade trees too close to your garden will eventually rob it of the sunlight it needs. Even partial shade makes a difference in growth. And falling leaves can mess with your soil’s pH over time, depending on the type of tree.

In the Middle of a Drainage Path

If your yard has a natural slope or spot where water drains during storms, don’t plant a tree in the middle of it. Not only will the tree struggle with too much water, but the roots will start rerouting runoff—and that can make flooding worse.

Too Close to the Driveway

Tree roots can lift concrete or asphalt and ruin the driveway over time. And if the tree sheds a lot, you’ll be sweeping debris out of the way constantly. If you like a clean entrance, keep trees several feet off the sides of your drive.

Near the Fire Pit or Outdoor Seating

Trees planted too close to where you gather can end up dropping sap, limbs, or pollen right where people sit. They also make it harder to enjoy a fire without worrying about overhead branches. Give yourself enough breathing room to actually use the space.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.