TREES that can be damaging
By Melissa Erickson More Content Now
Providing shade and beauty , trees are a joy to behold , but some trees require more maintenance and upkeep than homeowners are willing to give . Invasive or messy , smelly or short-lived , some trees may not be worth planting .
Big , mature trees are a sound investment , said certified arborist Tom Tyler of Bartlett Tree Experts in Bolingbrook , Illinois . Strategically placed trees are energy savers and can cut up to 56 percent of annual air conditioning costs and reduce heating needs by 20 to 50 percent in winter , according to the U . S . Department of Agriculture Forest Service .
“ They cut wind , are aesthetically pleasing , catch rainfall and minimize runoff , which is a serious issue . They provide habitat for birds and wildlife ,” Tyler said .
However , some trees are known for their undesirable qualities . Think twice before planting these varieties :
Buckthorn
Introduced in the 1880s for its use in hedgerows , European buckthorn acclimated well to North America — too well .
“ It ’ s horribly invasive ,” Tyler said .
Female trees profusely produce berries , which are eaten by birds , which in turn spread the seeds far and wide . This creates dense stands of buckthorn that push out other more favorable trees , Tyler said .
Cottonwood
With broad trunks and bright green foliage , cottonwoods may be pretty to look at but are messy trees that are prone to disease , Tyler said . For part of its reproductive cycle , the female cottonwood produces tiny red flowers that are followed by tufts of seeds surrounded by cotton . In early to midsummer , the swirling cotton becomes lawn litter especially hated by pool owners .
Black walnut
“ The black walnut is a problem tree if it is planted too close to a house or other plantings ,” Tyler said .
Known as shade trees with edible nuts and prized wood , black walnut trees produce big nuts that fall all over the yard or driveway . Squirrels crack and eat the walnuts , which can stain patios and sidewalks , Tyler said . Additionally , these trees produce a toxin called juglone that can inhibit the growth of other trees , shrubs and flowers , Tyler said .
It ’ s not a good fit for a backyard setting , but you ’ ve got 40 acres in the back consider planting a black oak out there on its own .
Flowering pear
Called a “ beautiful menace ,” the flowering Bradford pear tree is an invasive plant that is banned for sale in some states such as Ohio , Tyler said . In addition to pushing out native plants , flowering pear trees produce smelly flowers and have weak structures . “ Pear trees are well-known to break when they get to a certain age . They also require a lot of pruning ,” Tyler said .
Ginkgo
The gingko tree is a living dinosaur that ’ s been in existence for over 200 million years . It still stinks . The female produces a foul-smelling fruit in the fall when the tree sheds its leaves and berries , Tyler said .
Silver maple
One of the most common trees in North America , the silver maple is fast-growing with a shallow and aggressive root system , Tyler said . Because the roots are shallow they can be easily damaged by a lawn mower , and can buckle sidewalks and crack home foundations .
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2018 Fall Vermont Home , Garden & Car • 19