20 Types of Trees You Do Not Want Growing In Your Yard

When most people think of trees they think of sturdy fixtures that have the potential to live for hundreds of years. Trees can be a great addition to the landscape of any yard.  They can provide shade, scenery, and even a cool place for kids to hang out. However, even though trees can be great, there are some types of trees that are simply not good additions to any home.  These trees can often cause certain problems, especially when being planted in a yard.  Whether it be a high risk of cracking, breaking, killing other plants, or simply stinking up the place – you’ll want to stay as far away from these trees as possible.  Here are 20 types of trees you do not want growing in your yard.

1. Silver Maple Tree

This tree may be great for providing shade, but its rapid growth can lead to brittle wood which can break easily during storms.  You definitely don’t want to plant a tree in your yard that could easily fall on your or your house.

(image via handyandynursery.com)

2. Cottonwood Tree

Cottonwood trees may look nice, but their leaves attract a lot of insects which will end up costing you lots of money to keep away. This tree can also grow very quickly and have brittle wood.

(image via gardeningknowhow.com)

3. Willow Tree

Also known as weeping willows, these trees can be beautiful to look at.  However, they require lots of water, and when it is not available – they seek it from wherever they can, including: sewage pipelines and other underground water sources.

(image via contentinjection.com)

4. Black Walnut Tree

Black walnut trees can be harmful to other things growing in your yard.  To help support its growth, the tree produces the jug lone toxin, which can be deadly to other plants and trees growing nearby.

(image via yourgardensanctuary.com)

5. Ash Tree

Ash trees are pretty cool. In fact, baseball bats are made from their wood.  However, there’s a good chance these trees won’t last long if planed in your yard. Tiny beetles called emerald ash borers are capable of wiping out these trees completely.

(image via theguardian.com)

6. Quaking Aspen Tree

Due to their tough root systems, quaking aspens can easily get out of control and try to spawn even more new trees. Unless you want your yard to turn into a forest, you’ll probably want to stay away from these.

(image via ediblebajaarizona.com)

7. Hybrid Poplar Tree

When most people plant trees, it’s because they want them to be around for a while.  Although, hybrid poplar trees grow quickly and are nice to look at, they are very vulnerable to diseases and only have a lifespan of approximately 15 years.

(image via fastgrowingtrees.us)

8. Eucalyptus Tree

Eucalyptus trees are known for their rapid growth, but they’re also known for dropping heavy branches all over the place.

(image via beautyficient.com)

9. Bradford Pear Tree

Not only are these trees extremely prone to cracking and splitting, but their blossoms also let off a foul odor that no one wants to be around.

(image via carync.activerain.com)

10. Mountain Cedar Tree

If you have allergies you’ll definitely want to stay far away from these trees because mountain cedars produce a ton of pollen.

(image via clearpointwellness.com)

11. Mulberry Tree

Mulberry trees are great for silkworms, but that’s about it.  For people, these trees can be a huge pain with all of the pollen they produce.

(image via wikipedia.org)

12. Leyland Cyprus Tree

These trees grow quickly, require a lot of upkeep and attention in order to stay healthy.  So unless you actually plan on spending time taking care of your trees, these aren’t for you.

(image via gardenerdirect.com)

13. Norway Maple Tree

Over time, these trees tend to develop strange ugly-looking spots on their leaves.  According to Landscape Architecture Magazine: “These spots won’t kill the trees, but they’ll disfigure them so badly that you’ll wish they were dead.”

(gerrystreenursery.com)

14. Sweet Gum Tree

These trees may be nice to look at, but they can cause some serious problems, especially if planted close to your home. The tree’s large roots can even damage the foundation of your house.

(image via urbanforestnursery.com)

15. Sycamore Tree

Sycamore trees are popular, but if they don’t get enough water they can develop ‘cankers’ on their trunk.

(image via talkingonfridays.blogspot.com)

16. Mimosa Tree

Mimosa trees are very nice to look at, but unfortunately they don’t have very long lifespans. They also tend to have very weak branches which is always a no-no.

(image via cactilandscape.com)

17. Magnolia Tree

Magnolia trees are both beautiful and strong, but they attract a lot of bees, which could lead to problems for obvious reasons.

(image via wunderground.com)

18. Chinese Tallow Tree

Chinese tallow trees may look harmless, but they’re actually pretty invasive and will take over your yard like weeds.

(image via galvaybayinvasives.com)

19. Gingko Tree

Ginkgo Trees produce a fruit that, to put it plainly, stinks.  Once they fall in the ground, and people start stepping on them, it’s not a good situation.

(image via bsc.edu)

20.  Russian Olive Tree

Once this tree comes to your yard, it’s coming in full force.  This invasive species is known for crowding out other plants, and refusing to die even when cut down.

(image via arthurleej.com)

lead photo  (Photo by ChinaFotoPress/ChinaFotoPress via Getty Images)