Planting the wrong trees in a small backyard can quickly transform a cozy outdoor oasis into a claustrophobic, high-maintenance nightmare. Avoid these common mistakes by steering clear of towering, invasive species that will overwhelm your limited space.
3 Key Takeaways
- Certain trees like the ginkgo, silver maple, and eucalyptus can grow too tall and cast oppressive shadows over a petite backyard, blocking sunlight and stunting other plants.
- Trees with aggressive, far-reaching root systems such as the Tree of Heaven and black walnut can damage foundations, sidewalks, and underground utilities while also emitting chemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby vegetation.
- Fruit and nut trees like plums, black walnuts, and bamboo often produce excessive litter that requires constant clean-up and can attract pests, making them poor choices for compact outdoor areas.
Imagine this: you move into your dream home with a charming little backyard, envisioning a tranquil oasis filled with lush greenery, colorful blooms, and maybe a cozy nook for sipping morning coffee. You excitedly plant a gorgeous towering tree, dreaming of the shade it will cast over your private sanctuary. But a few years later, that once-promising sapling has become an overwhelming behemoth, overshadowing every inch of your yard and making you feel like you’re living in a cave.
We’ve all been there, right? Picking out trees with eyes bigger than our backyards. But fret not, my fellow green thumb! I’m here to share the top 7 trees you should never, ever plant in a small backyard – unless you want to replace your quaint garden with a leafy, shadowy hellscape.
1. The Ginkgo Tree: A Smelly, Shady Nightmare
Don’t let the ginkgo’s vibrant fan-shaped leaves and ancient lineage fool you. These trees can tower up to 80 feet tall with branches spanning over 40 feet wide, quickly transforming your dainty backyard into a gloomy cave. But that’s not even the worst part – the female ginkgo trees bear foul-smelling fruits that will have you wrinkling your nose in disgust every fall as they rot away.
As Michael Musinski, a certified arborist, wisely warns, “The female ginkgo tree’s fruit emits a strong, unpleasant odor as it falls and decays. This can be a significant nuisance if the tree is near a patio or outdoor kitchen.” Thanks, but I’d rather not host backyard barbecues in a stench cloud.
2. The “Tree of Heaven” – More Like a Tree Straight from Hell
Despite its heavenly name, the “Tree of Heaven” is anything but. This invasive species, originally from China, grows at a wildfire pace and will happily make itself at home all over your yard with its aggressive root system. Pretty soon, you’ll be dealing with cracked sidewalks, uplifted patios, and a maze of suckers sprouting up like gophers on a rampage.
As Eric Preston Stout, a Master Gardener, bluntly puts it, “This tree is also a high maintenance burden. Its invasive nature means it will sprout suckers all over your yard, requiring constant pruning to keep it in check.” Sounds like a lot of work for a tree that should’ve been renamed the “Tree of Oh God, What Have I Done?”
3. The Silver Maple: A Destructive Beauty
With their soaring heights of up to 80 feet and dazzling fall colors, silver maples are undeniably striking. But as board-certified arborist Blake Watkins warns, “These trees have very shallow rooting that is known for breaking hardscapes.” So while you’re admiring those gorgeous crimson leaves, the roots are probably busy cracking your patio, uplifting your deck, and generally causing chaos underground.
I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not have to choose between a beautiful tree and an intact foundation. As if that’s not enough, silver maples are prolific litterbugs, constantly shedding leaves and branches that will bury your yard in debris. Who needs that kind of mess in their life?
4. The Black Walnut: A Tree That Plays Favorites
There’s no denying the black walnut’s stately beauty, but this tree has a dark secret – it emits a toxic chemical called juglone that kills off any plants brave enough to grow nearby. As Michael Musinski explains, “Sensitive species, particularly those in the potato family, exhibit symptoms such as yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth when exposed to juglone.”
So unless you’re going for that desolate, post-apocalyptic vibe in your backyard, you might want to skip the black walnut. Oh, and let’s not forget the mess factor – these trees drop large, rock-hard nuts that can damage your lawn equipment and potentially become tripping hazards. Thanks, but I’ll pass on the concussion hazards masquerading as landscaping.
5. Plum Trees: The Forbidden Fruit of Small Yards
There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy plum fresh off the tree…until that tree decides to bombard your tiny yard with excessive fruit, broken branches, and a smorgasbord for every pest in a five-mile radius. As arborist Blake Watkins warns, “Plum trees of all varieties are much faster growing than other stone fruits and can quickly overwhelm a small space.”
So unless you’re prepared for a constant battle against falling plums, entangled branches, and an influx of uninvited guests (of the six- and eight-legged variety), it’s best to admire these trees from afar. Or, you know, just buy plums at the grocery store like a normal person.
6. Eucalyptus Trees: The Flammable, Messy Giants
There’s something so wonderfully aromatic and dramatic about eucalyptus trees, with their towering heights and peeling bark. But in a small backyard? They’ll quickly become the overbearing neighbors who constantly shed debris all over your property. Not only do these trees litter the ground with fallen bark throughout the summer, but their oil-rich leaves and branches are also highly flammable – a serious fire hazard, especially in dry climates.
Unless you’re angling for a starring role on the next season of your city’s “Hoarders” reality show, it’s best to leave the eucalyptus trees to the wide open spaces they deserve. Your little backyard oasis will thank you.
7. Spreading Bamboo: The Invasive Jerk of the Plant Kingdom
Ah, bamboo – it seems so peaceful and zen, gently swaying in the breeze. But don’t be fooled by its serene appearance; spreading bamboo is the invasive jerk of the plant kingdom, ready to bully its way through your yard with zero regard for boundaries. Its aggressive root system will unapologetically crack through patios, uproot sidewalks, and potentially even damage your home’s foundation.
And just when you think you’ve got it under control, bamboo will sprout new shoots with reckless abandon, quickly overshadowing your yard and obstructing pathways. Before you know it, your once-charming garden will resemble an impassable jungle. Thanks, but I’ll take a hard pass on that hot mess.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to small backyard oases, bigger isn’t always better – especially regarding trees. Steer clear of these towering, invasive, and messily fruitful offenders, and opt for more compact, well-behaved varieties that will enhance your outdoor haven without overwhelming it. Your future self (and your property value) will thank you.
So there you have it, folks – the ultimate guide to avoiding small backyard tree-rors. Now go forth and landscape responsibly, creating a mini Eden that brings you joy rather than endless maintenance nightmares. And if you ever feel tempted by one of these problematic tree sirens, just re-read this article and remind yourself: “I don’t need that kind of chaos in my life.” You’re welcome in advance.
Related Articles
- The 10 Best Low-Maintenance Trees for Small Yards
- How to Choose the Perfect Patio Tree for Shady Comfort
- Pruning 101: Keep Your Small Trees in Check
Useful Table
| Tree | Height | Issues in Small Yards |
|——|——–|————————|
| Ginkgo | 50-80 ft | Overshadowing, Smelly Fruit, Excessive Litter |
| Tree of Heaven | 60-70 ft | Invasive Roots, Constant Pruning Needed |
| Silver Maple | 60-80 ft | Shallow Roots Damaging Hardscapes, Dense Shade |
| Black Walnut | 50-75 ft | Toxic to Other Plants, Messy Nuts |
| Plum Trees | Varies | Excessive Fruit, Broken Branches, Pest Attraction |
| Eucalyptus | 50-100 ft | Overshadowing, Flammable Litter, Shedding Bark |
| Spreading Bamboo | Up to 40 ft | Invasive Roots, Overshadowing, Difficult to Maintain |
