8 Trees You Should Never Plant in Your Yard, According to an Arborist

Save yourself potential headaches by avoiding planting these trees.

There’s something dreamy about a yard filled with stately trees that tower over your property and provide shade and beauty. But the key to achieving this kind of paradise is choosing the right tree for your landscape, as some varieties are known for being invasive or weak-limbed. To help, we spoke to an arborist who shared a number of trees you should never plant in your yard—and why it's best to avoid each.

Meet the Expert

Doug Still , consulting arborist and host of This Old Tree podcast

Weeping Willow

It’s easy to fall in love with the beautiful arching branches of a willow tree ( Salix babylonica ), but it’s best not to plant one in your yard. “Weeping willows are very large trees that need space and more space,” says arborist Doug Still. “Willows are such dominant specimens that they should be planted sparingly in any landscape.”

In a small yard, the fast-growing tree could soon overpower the landscape, competing with other plants for water and nutrients. While continual pruning can be a solution, doing so will contort the natural form. “Worst of all, weeping willows are renowned for invading sewer pipes and septic systems, thirstily seeking out new sources of water,” says Still. He advises planting weeping willow in public parks near streams and ponds rather than in small yards.

Related: How to Care for Your Apple and Pear Trees So They Produce the Most Fruit

Ash

There's plenty to appreciate about ash trees ( Fraxinus excelsior )—they are stately and strong, with unique compound leaves and interesting bark patterns. Unfortunately, ash trees are now in danger due to the prevalence of the emerald ash borer, a pest that kills ash trees in certain regions.

“Avoid planting ash trees ( Fraxinus ) of any type,” says Still. “It is very sad, a big loss to our local ecosystems. However, emerald ash borer is an all-pervasive pest that will eventually cause the death of the tree unless it is treated every two or three years.” While there are effective treatments, the tree would need continual insecticide applications throughout its life. Instead, Still recommends choosing another type of tree with a similar appearance.

Lombardy Poplar

Many homeowners avoid the tall and stately Lombardy poplar ( Populus nigra ) because of potential disease issues. “Like other poplar species, Lombardy poplars are highly susceptible to a range of canker diseases,” says Still. “Fungi are the primary cause of poplar canker,” he says. Infection occurs when the tree's bark is damaged by insects, animals, or mechanical wounds, causing the soft wood to deteriorate quickly and make the trunk and branches susceptible to breakage.

Treating canker diseases can be difficult, but proper care and watering can help. That said, it's best to select a species that grows naturally in your location. “Choosing poplars native to your region is recommended over planting the exotic Lombardy poplar,” says Still. “Native poplars have evolved better to withstand local canker diseases. They will also look more natural in the landscape.”

Related: 9 Fast-Growing Evergreen Trees That Will Be Tall Before You Know It

Bradford Pear

Bradford pears ( Pyrus calleryana ) are a cultivar of Callery pears and reach heights of up to 50 feet. While beautiful, Bradford pears are well known for having branches that are prone to cracking and weak crotches. Even more problematic, Bradford pear is invasive, and some states have even banned it. And if that wasn’t enough to deter you from growing Bradford pears, consider this: its blossoms are noted for having a very unpleasant odor that many people dislike.

Silver Maple

Despite the popularity of other maples, silver maples ( Acer saccharinum ) have a reputation for being troublesome. Their fast growth rate leaves their branches vulnerable to wind, and the overall weakness of the tree is seen as a downside. Grown in a location with abundant space and away from structures and driveways, silver maples can be beautiful. But its roots grow close to the surface, so planting it in a smaller yard is never recommended.

Staghorn Sumac

Staghorn sumac ( Rhus typhina )—not to be confused with poison sumac—is a beautiful small tree that adds beauty to any landscape. So why not plant it in your yard? Because it can be invasive in some areas and can displace desired plants if it's not properly managed.

Staghorn sumac spreads asexually through rhizomes (“runners”), so if maintenance is left unchecked, your little patch of sumac can quickly grow too large for your landscape. If you want to plant this tree in your yard, consult your local field office or state extension before doing so.

Related: 10 Plants Experts Say to Never Grow in Your Garden

Mulberry

While we are hesitant to discourage the planting of fruit trees, which are a great addition to the landscape, you might want to skip the mulberry tree ( Morus rubra ) if you are concerned about messiness. The mulberry tree’s fruit crop can be abundant, and when the berries drop on the yard (or deck or sidewalk), they tend to leave messy stains. The berries attract plenty of birds, which is nice, but the birds then tend to congregate in the tree and leave behind a mess of their own. Mulberry trees also spread and send out roots that can take nutrients away from nearby plants.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart .