Tree roots and House foundation

[Connie Tassin]

I have a question about planting trees....how far should a tree be planted from the house? I have heard a variety of opinions on this matter. Everything from 3 feet to no closer than 20 feet!

I'd love to hear from my dirtdoctor Forum friends.

How close is too close?



Thanks in advance for your advice!

[Tony M]

Heather-
Take a drive thru any established neighborhood and you will see thousands of houses are doing fine with trees next to the foundation. If fact, the DD himself has many trees within inches of his foundation.
I would stay about 20 feet away not because of foundation concerns but because you can appreciate the tree more by seeing the tree on its own. Also, you do have to be concerned about your gutters filling up with leaves, the branches hitting the roof and causing leaks and ants crawling from the tree onto the house.
Tony M

[Connie Tassin]

Tony, As you may remember I have a Burr Oak to plant. Would 6 feet be too close? As the tree grows I intend to trim it so that the canopy is fairly high.

Perhaps in the future gutters would be an issue for us. At this time our house does not have gutters in the front.

Are there any other considerations I should take into account?

[The Ent]

I'd say 6-8 feet would be alright. But a little further would end up more aesthetically pleasing to the eye when the tree assumes its full size later.

IF gutters are instaleld later, just make sure to have leafguard tops on them, or something in that category. Occasional trimming to keep branches from contacting the roof would be acceptable, but only where absolutely necessary.

[Tony M]

Heather-
I agree with everything the ENT said, let me know if you have another question for me or need further info.
Tony M