This is a beetle, native to Asia, which is wreaking havoc on ash trees in this country. Its main trunk tends to crack and it leaves debris everywhere anytime there’s a storm or hurricane. And second, the hackberry has invasive roots that can thwart the growth of other plants in your yard. If that’s not bad enough, this tree’s branch structure is weak. Some trees are too messy, or dangerous, or invasive to put in your yard. Be sure to apply mulch around the root zone to keep moist and avoid weeds. The Ginkgo Biloba tree has been used for thousands of years in the traditional Chinese medicine. The Eucalyptus tree is known to be one of the fastest growing plants in the world. The Most Common North American Hardwood Trees. It’s pretty to look at, producing ornamental flowers each spring and dark blue — though inedible — fruit in the winter months. Hackberry. They are short-lived, have brittle wood, are subject to wind damage, insects, especially borers, and the female plants produce messy cotton that clogs air conditioners. Some trees are much worse than others at seeking out water wherever it is—including your underground water and sewer lines. But you must know that this tree’s roots have become its worst enemy. Its wood is prone to rotting, making it very unstable during severe storms. Whether you are looking for the fastest growing shade trees in Texas, Texas evergreen trees, Texas flowering trees or most common trees in Texas, you can learn more about them in this post. As the name suggests, the Norway Maple is not indigenous to the United States, but it is actually one of the most versatile varieties of maple, as it can adapt fairly easily. The Russian Olive certainly has a very distinctive look, it also ranks as one of the most invasive species you can possibly find. Trees For Houston is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to planting, protecting and promoting trees. Everyone has their own ideas about what kind of trees they want in their yard — and for different reasons. Make sure trees are watered regularly during first few years of growth, while tree is getting established. The problem with white birch is that it cannot thrive in hot and dry climates, and it is also susceptible to a notorious tree killer known as the bronze birch borer. Moreover, the white birch tree roots is another of the trees with shallow roots making it rather unstable and dangerous to grow anywhere near your home. Sounds easy right? The Live Oak graces the streets and parks of Houston in One of the trees you should avoid having in your backyard is certainly cottonwood. Some backyard trees have very deep and strong roots that can slowly damage the foundation of your house. 1. WE have, (or can get you) almost ANY tree you desire. However, there are other essential aspects to consider. Plus, grass doesn’t grow very well under it so expect a big pile of dirt in your yard surrounding this tree. As Joshua told us, “New-home builders often plant these as they are easy to take root and grow quickly. With a really big chill behind us, we can begin to plant our gardens for the new year. This is particularly dangerous if you plan to grow anything else aside from the willow, nearby. Plus, grass doesn’t grow very well under it so expect a big pile of dirt in your yard surrounding this tree. Red Maple or Acer rubrum: This maple is a ubiquitous, wide-ranging, native tree. White ash trees (Fraxinus americana) are dioecious. The Texas Tree Selector helps you find a tree that will grow in your county. There are numerous different types of birch you can opt for, and they certainly add a great luxurious touch to your backyard. Trees known for their rather undesirable qualities, and why you should steer clear of them. You should avoid planting this tree in Houston. The tree has roots with water-seeking tendencies that threaten water mains or septic tanks. It makes small fruits that birds love to eat. You, of course, want a tree that will be different and stand out, but it’s important to plant a tree that will thrive in the Houston weather. I want types that will provide privacy (grow atleast 6 feet tall), can withstand both the summer heat and the winter cold spells. The Chinese Tallow stands out through its broad leaves that are known to provide great shade, as well as to turn bright colors during the autumn. Hackberry is not a good choice either if you live in Houston. They are arching, spreading, majestic, textured, and sculptural- all of the qualities that make large trees magical. The Silver Maple is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and majestic trees out there. Granted, the Bradford Pear is gorgeous to look at when it is in full bloom in the spring, but this once-popular Houston tree is now becoming an invasive menace. The seed capsules of this tree (which is also known as bougainvillea goldenrain tree) travel widely and sprout everywhere—and we mean everywhere. Add mycorrhizae to planting hole to also aid establishment of the tree. River Birch Are a Favored Yard Tree in the Southern U.S. Top 10 Trees … 10 Yard Trees Gone Bad. Cottonwood trees are stately and beautiful when healthy but are a bad investment. Imagine having to care for that kind of tree in your backyard. But don’t let its looks fool you. Unfortunately, many homeowners only take into account a tree’s ability to provide shade and coolness during the hot summer months. What are the best types of trees and shrubs to plant in the Houston climate? However, the Chinese Tallow ranks as one of the most invasive species of trees you can plant in your backyard. Also known as the Golden Weeping Willow, this tree stands out through with its very long and slender branches that make it look as if it is crying (thus the name of the tree). Those lovely flowers stink – like rotting fish. Follow this blog to stay tuned with what you need to keep your lawn in tip-top shape year-round. Some want more shade or pretty ornamental trees for their Houston yard. But if you (or a family member) … Not only does it offer great shade during winter, grows quickly, but it is also very easy to trim and prune. January is ideal tree-planting time, because roots can settle in before summer's heat. In turn, this attracts numerous insects… and silkworms in particular. Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on November 16, 2012: Hello idigwebsites, Hope that you have your large garden filled with all of your favorite flowers someday. They are a weed tree, grow faster than fast, almost impossible to get rid of, and when it is done dropping its golden balls in the spring it starts dropping large seed pods (12"+ x 3/4") and then the seeds just pour out of those and they seem to be the most fertile seed ever. As a matter of fact, these trees can grow to as much as 80 feet in height, and the problem is with the Ginkgo Biloba fruit. Well, you’d be surprised at the DISASTERS I’ve seen! Remember, NUTS spelled backward is "stun," and some of these plants can exhibit a stunning beauty. Thanks in advance! Its branches tend to break during storms or strong winds – just like the cottonwood. It is recommended to plant in all but the Northcentral states. Actually, it’s not really a good choice in any urban or suburban area, for several reasons. It’s an invasive exotic tree that was brought to the States in 1745 from China. The reason to avoid planting this in your backyard, however, is because it is known to produce impressive amounts of pollen. But the rest of the year this tree is unattractive (unless you like big, brown seed pods hanging down), it sheds, and it can quickly spread, threatening other plants in your yard. Besides this, it does require lots of maintenance! Everyone has their own ideas about what kind of trees they want in their yard — and for different reasons. “For example, northerners often ask for cherry trees, for the fruit … It doesn’t get COLD enough down here for them to put on fruit!”. The quaking aspen is one of the most durable and versatile types of trees you can opt for. Eucalyptus extract is used in a variety of ointments and treatments nowadays, and the strong scent of this tree appeals to most people. It’s an... 3. Still, there are some overwhelming trends in terms of what types of trees in Houston are the most popular. Given the fact it can reach up to 30 feet in width and 40 feet in height… think about how massive the roots of this tree will grow, in a couple of decades! Although the white pine does not reach staggering heights like other trees, the problem is that this tree is actually extremely sensitive and it requires a lot of maintenance in the long run. However, the cottonwood tree problems begin with having a very shallow and soft root system. Others are monsters. It is known to offer great shade but, at the same time, it kills any other plant or shrub that tries to thrive around it. The tree was particularly popular around the 1960s, but it was primarily planted in urban settings, as opposed to residential developments. On top of the damage risks, there’s also the issue of the infamous emerald ash borer. Here is the absolute worst tree I have had to put up with: Goldenball Lead tree. Some trees are nice. The male trees produce so much pollen that you and your family will be sneezing and wheezing for days and maybe even weeks come springtime. Illustrations of Common Eastern United States Trees by Charles Sprague Sargent . They have lots of bugs and diseases that make them look ugly and their root systems are difficult to control and eradicate. Plant one of these and once it grows tall, hurricane season will be extra nerve-wracking. The Leyland Cypress is a very special type of tree, as it grows very fast and it does not require too much maintenance either – overall. Some cultivars tolerate alkalinity. The problem is… often when it comes under attack – the emerald ash borer is the ash tree’s biggest enemy, as this small beetle can easily destroy it. Ten Most Common Trees in the United States. In fact, Texas and every state directly north of the Lone Star State have some of the sparsest tree coverage in America. When it comes to Texas native trees, homeowners have many options to enhance their property. Apart from the branches, the tree is also known for producing white flowers that have a very pungent odor. The reason why you should never plant the Bradford Pear tree in your backyard is because the characteristic pyramidal shape of the tree makes it very fragile. Last, but not least, another tree that you should really stay away from is the Honey Locust. Aside from the fact that the tree itself is fairly brittle, it can also be damaged by insects and diseases, which makes it even more exposed to the elements. The biggest problem with this tree is that it is often attacked by the honeylocust bugs in late spring. If you're not an allergy sufferer, white ash may be a wonderful choice for your yard. If you are passionate about gardening, somewhere along the line includes planting trees. Thanks for your comment. As sweet as it may sound, the sweetgum tree has ridiculously large surface roots. It crowds out other surrounding plants, stealing all their water and nutrients. I think Live Oaks are the best trees in the world. Best Fruit Trees to Grow in Houston, Texas The Anna The Fuji Dorsett Golden Gala Granny Smith Irazu Mutsu This tree can turn out to be very “thirsty” for nutrients – so thirsty that it can end up weighing tons! the worst Houston trees to plant. Since our beginning in 1983, Trees For Houston has planted and distributed over 460,000 trees and seedlings. They tend to be very messy trees once they fall on the ground, driveway or patio. So it’s just a matter of time. Houstonians have enough problems with allergies these days. Well, ash trees are brittle by nature, which means that they are very susceptible to damage in heavy winds. Mimosa. Best & Worst Trees to Plant around a Pool. That doesn’t mean it suits your yard – or even that it will grow well in Houston. Some cultivars tolerate alkalinity. Fall is the best time of the year to plant a tree, but look before you leap. Actually, it’s not really a good choice in any urban or suburban area, for several reasons. Those lovely flowers stink – like rotting fish. You should avoid planting this tree in Houston. The mimosa (like the one pictured above) also ranks as one of the worst Houston trees to plant. These days you can get just about any kind of tree you’d like either at a nursery or home improvement store. Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Houston, Pest Control Checklist for New Houston Homeowners, A Guide to Pergolas: Types, Uses, Costs, and Installation, Everything You Need to Know About Gazebo Kits. How To Plant A Tree . Chamberland warns that bird droppings with African sumac seeds germinate readily and produce even more of these unwanted trees in yards … The mimosa (like the one pictured above) also ranks as one of the worst Houston trees to plant. RELATED: How To: Plant a Tree. Some want more shade or pretty ornamental, That latter urge can be a problem, as Joshua Kornegay of. Here are six monsters you should never, ever plant in a residential neighborhood, lest you earn your neighbor's hatred and Grumpy's scorn. Once popular and a favorite tree to plant due it’s distinctive columnar shape and speedy growth. The dense shade of the tree may make it impossible to grow grass or other plants. Others have weak wood or are known to attract various diseases and pests. Once again, the problem is with this tree’s brittle and rather weak wood. That rapid growth leads to weak wood, which makes it susceptible to limb breakage and damage from storms and wind. Nonetheless, the cypress tree roots often get uprooted during storms and severe winds, even if they are tens of years old, which makes them dangerous to grow around houses. A startup making lawn care easy affordable and reliable issue of the weeping typically. 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