Trees that grow 30-50 feet (10-15 m.) tall should be planted 5-6 feet (1.5-2 m.) from sidewalks, and trees that grow more than 50 feet (15 m.) high should be planted at least 8 feet (2.5 m.) from sidewalks. Trees to avoid include two maples, the red maple (Acer rubrum) and the sugar maple (Acer saccharum). Did you just stop your wood fence short of the tree and begin it again on the other side, putting the posts as close to the tree as possible? © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Trees that mature 50 feet or more tall require much more growing space. Based on the planting space on each side of the drive, determine what mature size is appropriate for the scale of your property. Japanese crape myrtle is hardy in USDA zones 6b through 10a. How far away from the driveway to place them depends on the particular tree. Our HOA rule states that any tree within 10 feet of the house can be taken down without the permission. I'm guessing that when I fix the cracked driveway, the crew is going to remove the tree roots because they're too close to the surface. Trees? You can, however, use the lavender you grow along your driveway for making potpourri or sachets for use around the house. This is Prunus serrula 3-4 m high from a UK nursery, and other nurseries might have the Prunus you want. How should we landscape our recently renovated property? General advice for planning for tree roots is that the largest, longest surface roots won't much exceed the natural span of the tree; so, in this case, 15 to 20 feet diameter span, or 8 to 10 foot set back from your drive would be plenty. With that being stated, an Oak tree branch can extend up to 20 feet out which means they should not be planted that close to the house. If you put shed in as a search in houzz, there are tons of photos showing landscaping. I think I remember from your other posts you are in southern louisiana. he's a good guy. Remember that the root spread of trees is about 1/3 … Is there anything in the yard now? http://www.arborday.org/ I looked up the Colorado Blue Spruce you were concerned about and they suggest that it could eventually have a 20' spread and 50' to 70' height. Is a deciduous tree with a canopy well above-ground really the best option for blocking or detracting from the view of messy ground clutter in a neighbor's yard? You are focusing on it because there is nothing else to distract your eye! Not too close. The other is to offer, only if necessary, to rake up any leaves on his side. Most tree roots are found within the top 6 to 24 inches of the soil, which means they can easily lift and crack pavement. Trees to avoid include the tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), which is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, and the pin oak (Quercus palustris), hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. I'm not good with tree ID without leaves. I do have a privacy fence and also I have two trees very close to my neighbor line. Trees taller than 50 feet might not even fit into the average home yard, but if they are an option, they should be planted no closer than 8 feet from the driveway. They are so beautiful like drawn by an artist extending 80-90 feet tall and spreading their branches and roots in my neighbor's yard.I asked the neighbor permission to come to their yard with my ladder and chain saw. Thanks again i don't want shrubs. Scarlet oak may like the northern, upper elevations of the South but I'm not so sure it would like the gulf coast. However, the spot that it would need to planted in in order to effectively distract is VERY close to our side neighbor's yard. Most trees growing near buildings cause no damage. So i'd like to plant a red oak to distract from the mess back there. long before i would contemplate planting a 50 to 100 foot tree... a tree will take decades to cover most anything ... a shrub will take care of the issue inside a couple years ... it might really help.. if you gave us a clue as to where you are .... is this a HOA agreement ... or just the neighbors BS'ing??? Worst Trees to Plant Near a House The trees on this short list are deemed the worst because of their widespread, invasive roots. The yards are deep enough to where we really don't need fences. They did not mind. Maidenhair trees (Ginkgo biloba) have distinctively shaped leaves. So, keep the trees 20 feet from the wall. We always recommend planting trees when they’re dormant and so less likely to get damaged. Under extreme conditions, splitting can occur at the crotch because of the narrow-angle. You have to look at the mature height of the tree, which can be 30-60 feet in some cases, depending on the species. How close to his property line can I plant the oak?? When I drive down my driveway, this is what i see. Guessing your issue wasn't decorating, landscaping or architect issue enough for a response? I trim as much as I can. When it matures the surface roots can lift sidewalks, according to the experts at the University of Florida, so site your tree well away from the foundation of your house, driveways and walkways. Even they are dwarf Apricot trees and don't grow that much I wanted to make sure they stay in my property. If close enough these trees can erode the ground around your swimming pool and seek and destroy underground plumbing. Ruling out trees with invasive roots for planting near your driveway not only will help your driveway last longer but will keep your tree healthier since pavement can damage tree roots. I planted 4 Apricot trees this year on the same side but left a good 6 feet between the trees and the fence. Tree planting season runs between November and March, although it can stretch a bit longer in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Some could be twins; others channel the Odd Couple. (image via handyandynursery.com) 2. I did not plant them they grew on their own. However, the spot in question is waaaaaayy to the back in the back left corner of our yard, so it's really far from his house. The bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is a majestic choice for large landscapes, as it grows to 80 feet. When I drive down my driveway, this is what i see. It looks like you've got both sunny and shady areas so you'll have lots of options with California natives. I really want to plant it about a foot away. When to plant your trees. Many of these trees develop deep taproots rather than wide, searching roots. Does anyone know?I'm thinking Nutall might be a better deciduous oak for that location. Keep those larger trees further away, where you can see and admire their beauty, without any risk. Lavender can be used for culinary purposes or in traditional medicine but, like other herbs grown for consumption, I would recommend growing some in your garden away from the driveway, if you plan to use it for these purposes. Plant roots and utility lines can happily share space, but it takes a little planning to make sure they’re not too close for comfort. i'm in south La (southwest of baton rouge). As mentioned, you could come home one day to find half the tree missing. Houzz Tour: Strong, Modern Lines Stand Up to the Trees, Grow Your Own Privacy: How to Screen With Plants and Trees. What did you do? https://homeguides.sfgate.com/close-should-plant-tree-driveway-99813.html I think not! Your photos don't give quite enough perspective. I don't know what works well in your region; I'd ask around & see what would create the effect of a row of Green Giant or Emerald Green Arborvitae, hollies (perhaps Oak-Leaf Holly, which can produce berries without a male), or something like that. For example, if you are planting a shrub or tree that grows to approximately 10 feet wide at maturity, you'd space the center of the tree a minimum of 5 feet away from the edge of the driveway. The tree is resistant to Dutch elm disease. They tolerate air pollution well and are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8. In general, the taller the tree, the further away from the driveway it should be planted. Just curious: Is your fence issue resolved? I think they are Maple or just huge green trees. he would just be annoyed by leaves etc. I will appreciate any advice you can give me. To plant trees in the driveway you have to choose good variety plants ,dig pits at least fifteen inches away from the drive way ,put the plants straight into the pits ,fill with sand and manure till three fourth of the pit and water immediately, take care to water every day if mud dried. For example, if the tree’s crown is expected to reach 20 feet in diameter at maturity, it would seem wise to plant it at least 10 feet (half of its width) from the neighbor’s property so it stays entirely on your side. So a healthy tree with roots that need to fit within a 6 foot diameter space (assuming the trunk is three feet from the driveway) is a very small tree which won't provide much shade. Planting just one tree can dramatically change the appearance of your landscape, and if that tree is in your front yard, it can increase the curb appeal and value of your home. This tree may be great for providing shade, but its rapid growth can lead to brittle wood which can break easily during storms. Make sure they are far enough away so that the canopy will not interfere with the cars, yet close enough so that they are related to the driveway. 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