Trees Never to Plant in a Small Backyard – 7 Varieties That Will Overwhelm a Limited Space

Planting tree in your backyard can provide shade, beauty, and even increase your property value. However, not all trees are suitable for small spaces. Some varieties grow too large, have invasive root systems, or produce excessive debris, making them poor choices for a limited area. Here are seven trees you should avoid planting in a small backyard.

1. Silver Maple

Silver maples are known for their rapid growth and beautiful foliage, but they come with a host of problems for small backyards.

Rapid Growth

Silver maples grow quickly, reaching heights of up to 80 feet. In a small backyard, this rapid growth can lead to over-shading and crowding out other plants.

Invasive Roots

The roots of silver maples are notorious for spreading far and wide, often damaging sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. In a confined space, these invasive roots can cause significant problems.

2. Willow

Willow trees are picturesque with their weeping branches, but they require ample space to thrive without causing issues.

Water-Loving Nature

Willows need a lot of water, and their roots will seek out any available moisture. This can lead to problems with underground pipes and drainage systems in a small yard.

Large Size

Willows can grow up to 50 feet tall and spread just as wide, making them too large for most small backyards.

3. Eucalyptus Tree

Eucalyptus trees are famous for their fragrant leaves and medicinal properties, but they are not suitable for small yards.

Height and Width Tree

These trees can grow up to 200 feet tall with a wide spread, overshadowing everything in a small backyard.

Fire Hazard

Eucalyptus trees shed bark and leaves that can create a fire hazard, especially in dry conditions. This makes them a risky choice for close proximity to homes.

4. Poplar

Poplars are another fast-growing tree that can quickly become a nuisance in a small space.

Weak Wood

Poplars have brittle wood that can easily break during storms, posing a danger to nearby structures and people.

Invasive Roots

The root system of poplars is aggressive and can cause damage to pipes, foundations, and other plants in your garden.

5. Black Walnut Tree

Black walnut trees are valued for their nuts and timber, but they can create several issues for a small backyard.

Juglone Toxicity

Black walnuts produce a substance called juglone, which is toxic to many other plants. This can limit your gardening options and harm existing plants.

Size and Spread

These trees can grow up to 100 feet tall, with a wide canopy that can dominate a small yard.

6. Norway Spruce

Norway spruce trees are popular for their classic conifer shape, but they are not ideal for limited spaces.

Height

These trees can reach heights of 100 feet or more, which is far too tall for a small backyard.

Shade

Norway spruces cast dense shade, which can prevent other plants tree from thriving and make your backyard feel dark and cramped.

7. Sweetgum

Sweetgum trees are known for their star-shaped leaves tree and spiky seed pods, but they can be troublesome in a small backyard.

Messy Seed Pods

The seed pods of sweetgum trees homesandgardens are hard and spiky, creating a mess and potential hazard when they fall.

Size

Sweetgums can grow up to 75 feet tall, making them too large for most small backyards.