Trident Maple (Acer buergerianum)

11 Trees You Should Never Grow in Your Yard

As a passionate gardener, I know how thrilling it is to envision a lush, vibrant yard filled with beautiful trees. However, not all trees are created equal, and some can bring more challenges than joy to your gardening experience. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting out, it’s essential to be aware of which trees might cause more headaches than they’re worth. Today, I’m excited to share with you ten trees you should never grow in your yard!

Gardening is all about creating a harmonious environment, but choosing the wrong tree can disrupt that balance. From invasive roots to excessive leaf drop, certain trees can attract unwanted pests, dominate your landscape, and even harm native ecosystems. Let’s dive into these problematic trees, understand their behaviors, and learn why they might not be the best addition to your garden. Trust me, your future self will thank you for making informed decisions now!

Bradford Pear

pear tree
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The Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’) is often touted for its beautiful white spring blossoms and symmetrical shape. However, what seems like an attractive feature can quickly turn into a major issue. This tree is highly invasive and spreads rapidly through its prolific seed production. Once planted, Bradford Pear can dominate your yard, leaving little room for other plants to thrive. Its tendency to cross-pollinate with other pear varieties also contributes to its invasive spread.

Another problem with Bradford Pear is its weak wood, making it prone to splitting and breaking during storms. This not only creates a safety hazard but also results in constant maintenance for fallen branches. The tree’s dense shade can inhibit the growth of underplantings, making your garden look sparse and unbalanced. I know how frustrating it is to invest time and effort into planting a tree, only to have it cause so many issues down the line!

Norway Maple

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The Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) might look elegant with its broad canopy and vibrant fall colors, but it’s not a gardener’s best friend. Native to Europe and western Asia, this tree has become invasive in many parts of North America. Norway Maple spreads aggressively, outcompeting native trees like the Sugar Maple and Red Oak. Its dense shade can suffocate the understory, preventing the growth of native plants and reducing biodiversity in your yard.

Additionally, Norway Maple produces a large amount of leaf litter that can create a thick layer of mulch, which may harbor pests and diseases. Its roots are invasive and can interfere with sidewalks, driveways, and underground utilities. While it does provide habitat for some wildlife, the overall impact on your garden’s ecosystem is overwhelmingly negative. It’s such a bummer when a tree that looks so appealing on the surface turns out to be a hidden troublemaker!

Silver Maple

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Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) is admired for its beautiful silvery underside and rapid growth, but it’s not the ideal tree for a residential yard. Native to eastern and central North America, Silver Maple is considered invasive in some regions due to its ability to spread quickly through both seeds and suckers. This aggressive growth can lead to competition with other plants, reducing the diversity and health of your garden.

The tree’s extensive root system is another major concern, as it can damage sidewalks, driveways, and underground pipes. Silver Maple is also prone to a number of diseases and pests, including aphids and fungal infections, which can further weaken the tree and create maintenance headaches. Additionally, the tree tends to have a weak structure, making it more susceptible to storm damage. It’s such a bummer when a tree that grows so fast ends up causing so many issues for your yard!

Weeping Willow

Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica)
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The Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica) is beloved for its graceful, drooping branches and elegant appearance. However, this tree can create significant problems in a residential setting. Native to China, Weeping Willows are highly invasive in many parts of North America. They grow rapidly and spread through their extensive root systems, which can invade waterways, septic systems, and neighboring properties.

Moreover, Weeping Willows require a lot of water, making them unsuitable for areas with dry climates or limited irrigation. Their large, soft branches can become weak and break easily, posing safety risks during storms. The tree’s dense canopy also casts heavy shade, inhibiting the growth of other plants and reducing the overall diversity of your garden. It’s such a bummer when a tree that looks so beautiful can cause so many practical issues!

Leyland Cypress

Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)
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Leyland Cypress (× Cuprocyparis leylandii) is a popular choice for privacy screens and hedges due to its fast growth and dense foliage. However, this tree comes with significant drawbacks that can make it a poor choice for your yard. Native to the United States, Leyland Cypress is not considered invasive, but it can quickly become unmanageable. Its rapid growth rate can lead to structural weaknesses, making the tree susceptible to wind damage and breakage.

Furthermore, Leyland Cypress requires a lot of maintenance to keep it looking tidy and prevent overgrowth. If not regularly trimmed, it can become a dense, impenetrable barrier that blocks sunlight and air circulation, harming the health of the tree and surrounding plants. The tree is also prone to pests and diseases, such as bagworms and root rot, which can be a constant source of frustration for gardeners. I know how frustrating it is to deal with a tree that demands so much attention and still causes problems!

Tree of Heaven

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Originally native to China, the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) might seem like a hardy choice for your yard, but it comes with a host of problems. This tree grows rapidly and can reach impressive heights, but its invasive nature makes it a nightmare for gardeners. Tree of Heaven spreads aggressively through its seeds and root suckers, quickly overtaking gardens and natural areas alike. It’s considered highly invasive in many parts of North America, outcompeting native plants and disrupting local ecosystems.

Beyond its invasive tendencies, Tree of Heaven can negatively impact your property. Its roots are notorious for damaging sidewalks, foundations, and sewer lines. Additionally, this tree produces a foul-smelling compound called ailanthone, which can inhibit the growth of other plants nearby. Wildlife-wise, while some birds may use it for nesting, the overall impact on your garden’s biodiversity is detrimental. It’s such a bummer when a single tree can cause so much trouble!

Mimosa

mimosa tree flowering
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Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) is a striking tree with its fern-like leaves and vibrant pink flowers, making it an attractive option for many gardeners. However, Mimosa is highly invasive and can quickly take over your yard. Native to Asia, it spreads aggressively through both seeds and root suckers, outcompeting native plants and disrupting local ecosystems. Once established, Mimosa is extremely difficult to eradicate, making it a long-term problem for your garden.

In addition to its invasive nature, Mimosa can attract pests and diseases that can spread to other plants in your yard. The tree’s shallow root system can also cause damage to sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. Its large canopy creates dense shade, preventing other plants from receiving adequate sunlight and stifling garden diversity. I know how disheartening it is to watch your carefully planned garden get overtaken by an invasive species like Mimosa!

Black Locust

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Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is often praised for its nitrogen-fixing abilities and attractive flowers, but it can be a problematic addition to your yard. Native to the southeastern United States, Black Locust has become invasive in many regions due to its ability to spread rapidly through seeds and root suckers. This aggressive growth can lead to competition with native plants, reducing biodiversity and disrupting local ecosystems.

Moreover, Black Locust has an extensive and invasive root system that can damage sidewalks, driveways, and underground utilities. The tree’s wood is highly durable and resistant to decay, which might seem like a positive trait, but it also means that fallen branches can become long-lasting hazards. Additionally, the tree can attract pests such as locust borers, which can further weaken the tree and create maintenance challenges. It’s such a bummer when a tree that offers some benefits ends up causing so many problems for your garden!

Eastern Red Cedar

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
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Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a popular choice for windbreaks and ornamental hedges due to its evergreen foliage and aromatic wood. However, this tree can present several challenges in a residential setting. Native to eastern North America, Eastern Red Cedar can become invasive, especially in open fields and disturbed areas. It spreads through prolific seed production and can quickly dominate your yard, outcompeting native plants and reducing garden diversity.

Additionally, Eastern Red Cedar has an aggressive root system that can invade septic systems, sidewalks, and foundations, leading to costly repairs. The tree’s dense canopy creates heavy shade, making it difficult for other plants to grow and thrive beneath it. While it does provide some habitat for wildlife, the overall impact on your garden’s ecosystem can be negative. It’s such a bummer when a tree intended to enhance your yard ends up causing so many maintenance and ecological issues!

London Plane

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The London Plane (Platanus × acerifolia) is often chosen for its impressive stature and attractive bark, making it a common sight in urban landscapes. However, this tree can be problematic for residential yards. Native to Europe and western Asia, London Plane is considered invasive in some regions due to its ability to spread rapidly through seed production. Its extensive root system can cause damage to sidewalks, driveways, and underground utilities, leading to expensive repairs and maintenance.

Furthermore, London Plane trees are prone to a variety of pests and diseases, such as anthracnose and sycamore lace bugs, which can weaken the tree and reduce its aesthetic appeal. The tree’s dense canopy creates heavy shade, inhibiting the growth of understory plants and reducing garden biodiversity. While it does provide some benefits, like air purification, the challenges it poses often outweigh the positives. It’s such a bummer when a tree that looks so majestic can become such a maintenance burden!

Autumn Olive

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Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)

Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is a hardy shrub often mistaken for a tree, known for its bright red berries and silvery leaves. While it might seem like a charming addition to your yard, Autumn Olive is highly invasive and can wreak havoc on your garden. Native to Asia, this plant has spread aggressively in North America, outcompeting native shrubs and trees and disrupting local ecosystems. Its ability to fix nitrogen gives it an advantage over native plants, allowing it to dominate and reduce biodiversity.

In addition to its invasiveness, Autumn Olive can attract pests that can spread to other plants in your garden. The tree’s dense growth habit creates heavy shade, making it difficult for other plants to grow and thrive. Its extensive root system can also cause damage to sidewalks, driveways, and underground utilities, leading to costly repairs. I know how disheartening it is to invest in a plant only to have it take over your yard and cause so many problems!

Cody Medina
Small Scale Farmer
Hi there! I'm Cody, a staff writer here at The Garden Magazine and a small-scale farmer living in Oregon. I've been gardening most of my life and now live on a quarter-acre farmstead with chickens, ducks, and a big garden.