Trees are a fantastic addition to your property, providing shade and natural beauty while improving air quality and offering a home to wildlife. Unfortunately, not every tree is the right match for your home. If you have limited yard space, or have to contend with a structure like a septic tank, you may be interested in small trees with non-invasive roots.
Small Trees With Non-Invasive Roots
Here are the best small trees with non-invasive roots to plant in your yard.
Adams Crabapple Tree
Adams Crabapple trees are vibrant red trees with lush flowers and seasonal fruit. Unlike many other trees, Adams Crabapples have a shallow root system that spreads close below the ground’s surface, decreasing the risk of building damage. These trees are also short and usually grow no higher than 20 feet.
Crepe Myrtle
If you want a gorgeous flowering tree with pink and white blossoms that won’t wreak havoc on your house’s foundation, consider planting a Crepe Myrtle. Crepe Myrtle trees take up minimal space and make fabulous statement pieces for petite yards. The roots are non-invasive, and the tree has a maximum height of 25 feet and a maximum spread of 15 feet.
Japanese Maple
Japanese maples are another classic tree species known for their attractive appearance and shallow roots. These maple trees take on a charming color during the autumn, can grow in most soil types, and require minimal care.
Star Magnolia
Star magnolias grow whimsical small white blossoms that have a stunning visual effect when they bloom all at once.
Star magnolias are slightly more high-risk than other trees with shallow root systems but can still be a great option depending on the layout of your property. Although the tree’s roots will continue to grow to seek water, they are softer than other species and are less likely to cause damage.
Kousa Dogwood
Kousa dogwoods are pretty flowering trees that look adorable in any front yard. The tree features white blossoms and naturally grows in a rounded shape. Kousa dogwoods have significantly shallow root systems that can safely grow next to most buildings. These trees are also small and don’t grow past 25 feet.
Dwarf Plum Tree
A dwarf plum tree is an excellent option if you are looking for small trees with non-invasive roots. Dwarf plum trees only grow up to seven feet tall and produce edible plums. The tree’s small size and non-invasive root system make it easy to plant right next to a house.
American Hornbeam
American Hornbeams are sturdy trees that can live for hundreds of years. Although the American Hornbeam’s dimensions are slightly larger than some of the other trees on this list—it has a maximum height and spread of 30 feet—the roots are non-aggressive and can safely coexist near buildings or other plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about small trees with non-invasive roots.
What trees should not get planted close to a house?
Large trees with aggressive root systems should not get planted close to a house. The roots can reach your home’s foundation and cause damage. Examples of these kinds of trees include oak and poplar trees.
How far should a tree be planted from a house?
Most trees need to get planted a solid distance away from the house. A tree’s distance from a home should be at least half the length of the tree’s maximum spread.
Are dwarf cherry tree roots invasive?
Although dwarf cherry trees are small in stature, their roots can be extremely aggressive and invasive. Dwarf cherry trees should not get planted near any buildings or important structures.
Final Thoughts
You can plant beautiful trees even in the tiniest of yards. With so many lovely small trees with non-invasive roots to choose from, you can design the landscape of your dreams.