How far to plant a tree from a house or fence
As a rule of thumb, plant small trees at least 3 m (10 ft) from the house, medium trees 4.5–6 m (15–20 ft) away and large trees 6 m (20 ft) or more. On clay soil, and for thirsty trees like willows, poplars and oaks, allow more.
| Tree size when grown | Examples | Distance from the house |
|---|---|---|
| Small, under 9 m (30 ft) | serviceberry, crab apple, Japanese maple | at least 3 m (10 ft) |
| Medium, 9–15 m (30–50 ft) | birch, rowan, fruit trees on vigorous rootstock | 4.5–6 m (15–20 ft) |
| Large, over 15 m (50 ft) | oak, beech, maple, lime | 6 m (20 ft) or more |
Think about the canopy first
The easiest check is the width of the tree when it is fully grown. Plant it at least half that width away from walls and roofs, so branches do not rub against the house or fill the gutters. A tree that will be 8 m (26 ft) wide needs at least 4 m (13 ft) of clearance, and more if you want light in the windows.
Roots, foundations and clay
Tree roots rarely break sound foundations by pushing. The bigger risk is on shrinkable clay, where a thirsty tree dries the soil and the ground moves. On clay, guidance for high-water-demand trees such as willow, poplar and oak can call for a distance close to the tree’s full mature height. If your house sits on clay, check local guidance or ask a tree specialist before planting anything large.
Fences, patios and neighbours
- Small trees can go 1–2 m (3–6 ft) from a fence, but branches will hang over it as they grow. Check your local rules on overhanging branches and planting near boundaries.
- Keep trees at least 2–3 m (6–10 ft) from patios and paths you care about. Surface roots lift paving, especially from shallow-rooted trees.
- Avoid trees that drop sticky fruit or lots of seeds over a patio or a pool.
Pipes, cables and drains
Find out where water, sewer, gas and electric lines run before you dig. In the US, call 811 a few days ahead and the utilities will mark them for free. Roots seek out leaking drains, so keep larger trees well away from old clay pipes and septic systems.
Planning the rest of the yard? See how to plan a backyard layout.