13 Trees You Should Never Plant In Your Yard

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🌳 13 Trees You Should Never Plant in Your Yard 🚫

As summer fades and autumn arrives, we welcome cooler weather, harvest season, and the brilliant colors of changing leaves 🍂. For gardeners and homeowners, fall is also one of the best times to plant trees and shrubs—the cool air paired with warm soil creates the perfect environment for strong root growth before the next hot summer.

But before you rush off to the nursery, there’s something you should know: not all trees are good choices for your yard. Some are more trouble than they’re worth, causing issues that can last for decades.

⚠️ Why Some Trees Are a Bad Idea

While trees add beauty and shade, the wrong ones can bring hidden headaches:

• Shallow Roots – Can crack sidewalks, driveways, and even sewer lines.
• Weak or Brittle Wood – Breaks easily during storms, creating hazards.
• Disease-Prone – Certain trees attract pests or fungi that spread quickly.
• Messy or Smelly – Some drop foul-smelling fruit or sticky sap.
• Fast Growing, Short Living – Quick shade now, expensive removals later.

Planting the wrong tree can mean future repairs, safety risks, and ongoing frustrations instead of the peaceful retreat you imagined for your backyard.

🌱 Smarter Tree Planting Tips

• Research Before You Buy – Don’t rely on nursery sales pitches.
• Think Long-Term – Will it still be a good fit in 20 years?
• Consider Placement – Keep large-root trees away from buildings and pipes.
• Choose Native Varieties – They adapt better and need less care.

❓ FAQs

💡 What’s the worst mistake people make when planting trees?
Choosing based on appearance alone—without checking growth habits, lifespan, and root spread.

🌍 Can these “bad” trees still be grown safely?
Sometimes, but they’re usually better suited for wide-open spaces, not residential yards.

🏡 What should I plant instead?
Opt for native, slow-to-moderate growers with strong wood and deep roots.

👉 Before you dig a hole this fall, check out the full list of the 13 Trees You Should Never Plant in Your Yard. It could save you years of headaches (and thousands in repairs!). 13 Trees You Should Never Plant In Your Yard