'Stuff' Growing Next To Your House/Buildings

[Diggin It]

I see so many pictures here and on other sites with all kinds of plants, shrubs, bushes, even trees growing right along the foundations or within a couple of feet of houses, sheds, garages, barns, etc. OK, some of it looks fairly decent, but if it isn't constantly maintained it gets out of control and scruffy. Plus, it all draws bugs and moisture which leads to foundation problems, not to mention creating hiding places for snakes and rodents. Then there's the fire hazard if you live in those areas. The taller trees present problems of their own from leaves in gutters to fall/crush hazards in storms. If you're in a really nasty area, there is the potential hiding places for two legged evil doers.

I've decided I don't really want anything at all growing within about 10' of the foundations. I had some low growing plants along one side of the house and porch up until this past fall. Part of it is gone now and it's all coming out before spring. Also adding shed/porch roof types structures to keep rain/snow away from the foundation. Years back, I took every tree that was above the gutter line down if it was within 15 or 20' of the house. Most the smaller stuff around the shed is now gone with a little remaining that will be gone by spring.

The little bit of aesthetics just wasn't worth the aggravation.

 

[oosik]

I hear what you are saying. I have one bush off the NW corner that I "attack" every five years or so. Cut it back til it looks like a couple broom handles with stubs. And I finally had to totally remove a wild rose we planted next to the house. Just got too big to control.

My worry also. I have a tall Ponderosa pine about 50 feet from the house. Should have taken it down before I built. Now it will cost $2000 + for an arborist to remove it. But that's another day.

 

[ChuckT]

Been there, done that. 2k for a pine removed? Check. Had pine beetle investigation. Bushes too close to house slab? Check. Crepe Myrtles, 6, dug out.
Kept the rose tho. Happens I like roses. (And apparently the horses did too!)
Now we've added generator and propane tank so wifie is making noises about adding "stuff". At least it's not against the house walls.

 

[dodge man]

I agree, I see houses that will have small volunteer trees growing up along the house.

 

[fried1765]

I agree, I see houses that will have small volunteer trees growing up along the house.

Folks buy young decorative shrubs, and plant them close to the house, because they are small.
Shrubs grow, and soon they are hard against the house.
That mistake is repeated daily by thousands!

 

[pmsmechanic]

I hear you on the shrubs around the house but I don't agree with large trees close to the house. We love the shade we get in summer. I'll put up with the leaves in the gutter.

 

[hube2]

Have to agree. I can remember my wife's grandmother's house. They put in decorative shrubs around the house, basically so that you could not see the part of the basement that was above ground. Fast forward 40 years and the roots from that shrubbery had pushed through the basement wall. Having seen the damage caused and what needed to be done to fix it, nothing will ever be planted or allowed to grow near my house.

People also fail to realize the havoc that trees and bushes can cause with septic systems and other underground stuff when they decorate their property with this stuff. Then there is the possibility of a big tree coming down in the wind and taking out the house, I'd love to have the shade but would rather not create the opportunity for mother nature to destroy something that needs to be fixed.

Everyone needs to make decisions like these based on their own comfort level, but should be aware of the risks, or at least consider them and not be surprised when that tree or shrub they're putting in causes a huge mess and expense when it happens.

 

[MossRoad]

It's a beautiful home...

 

[hube2]

It's a beautiful home...

I could live in something like that but I don't think it would make anyone else happy.

 

[PILOON]

Speaking of stuff growing----
After 25 years my French drain no longer works.

My take is those nice cedars have rooted their way to clogging my drain.

In fact having hired a pro I even know where the blockage is however the cure is worst than the problem as major excavation would be involved.
That combined with septic installation would have it a costly operation.

Fortunately I had foreseen possible problems and I have a sump located in the basement that has never been needed for 25 yrs.
My 'work around' was a simple sump pump installation that works every hour or so.
Now I need to address possible power outage situations but with a generator I'm in good shape. (providing I'm home)