Some people enjoy planting flowers, grass, and trees, but may not be aware of which plants are best suited for their planting, or may regret planting certain plants. In this regard, experts have listed 5 types of trees that they will no longer plant, citing reasons worth considering.
British horticultural expert Edward Bowring wrote in Homes & Gardens magazine that trees are key to gardens and local ecosystems. Their charming features, whether it’s the leaves, fruits, flowers, or bark, enrich the lives of people and wildlife, and play a crucial role in reducing carbon dioxide.
However, not all types of trees are suitable for planting in yards. As a professional horticulturist, Bowring has had to deal with various tree-related issues in his career, including those with aggressive and invasive root systems, those that self-seed, or those that are toxic.
He listed 5 plants that he would definitely not plant again, as they could cause harm:
Sumac is a large shrub or small tree highly valued for its beautiful branches and stunning autumn colors. This deciduous plant, native to North America, can grow up to 25 feet tall and is easy to grow.
These trees provide food and habitat for birds and pollinators, often planted in wildlife parks, but mostly planted by people to prevent soil erosion and enjoy their beautiful foliage in autumn.
Unfortunately, sumac grows rapidly and forms dense thickets. In some states, this tree is considered an invasive species, and if left unmanaged, its vigorous growth may compete with and overshadow other local plants, ultimately leading to their extinction.
Willow grows rapidly with dense foliage, growing up to 3 feet of new branches each year, effectively shading the garden and providing privacy. However, they can also block out sunlight for nearby plants due to their large size.
It is worth noting that willows are toxic to humans and pets. Bowring said, “Recalling back to my previous garden management, I struggled to manually prune extensive willow hedges to avoid the chaos, and now I definitely would not plant this tree again.”
Black walnut is a deciduous tree with charming deep gray bark, green leaves turn yellow and fall in autumn. This tree species is precious not only because of their tall stature and fruiting, but also because they produce hardwood.
Although black walnut is a beautiful and attractive tree, Bowring does not recommend planting them in gardens as they require a lot of maintenance and pruning, even in winter.
These trees also secrete a chemical called juglone, which is toxic to many plants. In addition, their fruit litter can make a mess in the garden, so planting them may not be worth the trouble.
Willow grows rapidly with dense foliage, and is an ideal shade tree that blocks unsightly views and is suitable for people to sit under.
These trees thrive in wet environments, particularly near rivers and ponds. They can tolerate waterlogged soil and help absorb excess moisture.
However, this tree can grow up to 50 feet tall, and with their rapid growth, their massive root system seeking water can damage underground drainage pipes and sewers, so they should be avoided from planting near houses.
English oak, also known as the British oak, is a beautiful and majestic tree that can grow up to 130 feet tall and 80 feet wide. They not only efficiently absorb carbon dioxide but also provide shade and serve as a refuge for wildlife.
English oak starts growing from one acorn and requires a large space to grow into a mature tree, so planting them in small yards is an absolute no-go.
These trees also need regular maintenance and pruning to maintain their health. Based on Bowring’s past experiences, when autumn arrives, you need to set aside time to clean up their fallen leaves, acorns, and small twigs.
In addition, you must pay attention to the roots of these trees. Their extensive root systems can damage sidewalks, driveways, and even foundations. In the UK, it is known that English oak grown in clay can cause subsidence as their roots absorb excess moisture, causing the clay to shrink.
Bowring concluded, “Selecting and planting a tree is a significant decision that can benefit future generations. But as you have just read, choosing the wrong tree species could lead to unfortunate consequences.”