Type Of Tree For Against A Home

Question

I would like to plant an ornamental tree up against my home (about 2-3 ft away from the foundation). I have seen small trees growing close to the foundations of homes. It would have to grow to a max height of around 15 ft. Do you have any recommendations? The spot gets partial sun/shade.

Answer 1

Trees aren't really meant to be foundation plantings, although I see it a lot, too. Normally I read not to plant a small tree closer than 8 to 10 feet from the house. If placed at the corner of the house, you can come in 6 to 8 feet. Shrubs should be three feet away to allow for growth of the shrub and to get it out from under the eaves.

Some small trees include flowering dogwood, ornamental flowering cherry, sumac, weeping cherry, weeping white mulberry, Walker Siberian Peabush, Japanese maples.

Large shrubs that make excellent foundation plantings include lilac, tree hydrangea, weeping hemlock, holly, boxwood, 'Black Beauty' elderberry, false cypress (dwarf), abelia, barberry, viburnum.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/shgen/foundation-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-6/zone-6-hedge-plants.htm

https://www.arborday.org/trees/righttreeandplace/size.cfm