As an Amazon Affiliate, We Earn From Qualifying Sales. Read Full Disclosure Here
How Far From House To Plant Dogwood Tree? Whenever you’re planning to plant a big tree, it’s important that you also consider the distance from your house. If you end up planting dogwood trees too close to your home, it can cause various issues, like damage to your foundation, roof, and even interference with power lines.
Therefore in this article, I will tell you ‘how far from the house to plant a dogwood tree’ and what factors you should consider when planting a dogwood tree.
Further, I will also tell you about the disadvantages of planting a dogwood tree too close and the advantages of planting it at a distance. But before that, let’s first find out what factors everyone should consider when planting a dogwood tree near their house.
5 Factors to consider when planting a Dogwood Tree
Soil Type
Since Dogwood trees prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil, you should ensure that your area soil is compatible. It would help to keep your soil pH range between 5.0 and 6.5.
If your soil is too alkaline, consider adding sulfur which will lower the pH. On the other hand, if the pH level of your soil is very low, consider adding some lime to it.
Sunlight Requirements
Depending on your location, almost every variety of Dogwood trees requires partial shade or full sun. If you live in warmer areas, it’s best to plant dogwood in partial shade to keep them protected from the harsh afternoon sun.
I live in a cooler area, and my dogwood trees can easily handle full sun. Therefore, you should always choose a spot that receives an appropriate amount of sunlight during the daytime for your region when planting a dogwood tree.
Climate & Weather Patterns
Even though dogwood trees are hardy in USDA zones 5-9, they can still be sensitive to extreme weather conditions. If your area experiences a harsh winter, you should choose a location protected from the wind.
Additionally, you need to avoid planting trees in low-lying areas prone to flooding.
Water Requirements & Drainage
During the first years after planting, you must provide regular watering to your dogwood trees. It would help if you also avoided overwatering, which may cause root rot. It is important to choose a spot that doesn’t flood or waterlog.
The soil must be well draining, and make sure you are watering your tree deeply but infrequently.
Environmental factors
It would help to consider environmental factors and nearby plants, especially when choosing a location to plant your dogwood tree. It would help if you never planted it near larger trees that may shade or compete with your dogwood tree.
It’s best to choose a location where your plant can fully thrive and will have no competition for resources like nutrients & water. It’s also important to choose a location that is well-protected from strong winds, which may damage your tree branches.
For more in-depth information on Where To Plant Dogwood Trees, consider reading my latest article regarding 11 Best Place To Plant Dogwood Tree & When to Plant Dogwood Trees?.
How Far From House To Plant Dogwood Tree
The distance at which you should plant a Dogwood tree from your house often depends on several factors like the tree’s size & growth rate, the type of soil in your yard, and the location of nearby structures.
But, It’s best to plant a Dogwood tree at a distance between 15-25 feet from your house. This ideal range prevents damage to nearby structures while providing adequate space for your tree to grow & thrive.
If you’re not following the recommended distance for planting a Dogwood tree from your house, its roots will damage your home’s foundation and nearby structures.
Dogwood tree roots can grow up to three times the width of the tree canopy, potentially damaging sidewalks and even septic systems if planted too close.
According to the Plants Heaven, you should plant a Dogwood tree at least 15 feet away from your house to prevent potential foundation damage. It would also help if you never planted a big tree variety near sidewalks, septic systems, and other structures to prevent damage from its roots.
According to a study by the University of Florida, over 30% of all sewer line blockages occur due to mature tree roots.
You should note that fully matured Dogwood tree roots can extend up to 30 feet in all directions, potentially causing damage to nearby structures. Plus, if you Plant Dogwood trees too close to your house, it may limit their access to nutrients & water, leading to stunted growth and an unhealthy appearance.
Best Distance Based On The Size & Growth Rate
Depending upon the size & growth rate of your dogwood tree, you will have to determine the appropriate distance to plant it from your house.
There are a few species that you can plant close to your house, while some that you must avoid. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, Pink Flowering Dogwood (Cornus Florida) and the Cherokee Brave Dogwood (Cornus x Rutgersensis) are smaller Dogwood tree varieties.
Surprisingly, you can plant both as close as 6-8 feet from your house. However, avoid planting any larger variety at a distance less than 20 feet away from structures. Some larger varieties you should avoid planting nearby structures include the Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa) and the Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii).
3 Pros of Planting a Dogwood Tree Near the House
Provides Shade
One of the most significant advantages you’ll notice and benefits you will get after planting a Dogwood tree near your house is the shade it provides.
According to the US Department of Energy, strategically placed trees can help reduce your household’s energy bills by up to 25% by providing shade in the summer. It also acts as a windbreaker in the winter.
Adds Aesthetic Appeal
If you want to add acetic appeal to your garden or some pop color to your landscape, you can consider dogwood trees, known for their beauty.
Since they come in various colors, including white, pink, & red, you will have no issue finding the right type & color that pairs up with your garden. Their unique shape can add aesthetic appeal & interest to your landscape.
Attracts Wildlife
If you want to attract many birds to your landscape or garden, have a dogwood tree. Dogwood trees produce lots of berries that birds love, making them an attractive addition to your yard, especially if you enjoy birdwatching.
3 Cons of Planting a Dogwood Tree Near the House
Potential Damage to Foundations and Sidewalks
Since Dogwood trees are known to have shallow root systems, they have the potential to damage foundations & sidewalks. As your tree grows, its roots will start to push up against the foundation, causing cracks and other damage.
This is a very big problem for older houses with a weak foundation. Therefore make sure to choose the right distance when planting a dogwood tree.
Messy
You should note that dogwood trees drop their leaves, flowers, and fruit throughout the year. Therefore if you don’t want it to become a mess, you will have to pay attention to the cleanliness around your tree. This becomes more important if you are like me, who loves a perfectly manicured lawn.
Can Attract Pests
Yes, a dogwood tree will attract pollinators, beneficial insects, and wildlife and pests like squirrels & deer, which may damage your tree and surrounding plants.
3 Ways to Mitigate the Disadvantages
Planting in Raised Beds
One of the best ways to mitigate the potential damage to foundations & sidewalks is by planting your tree in a raised bed. According to a study by the University of Georgia, planting trees in a raised bed can effectively prevent root damage to sidewalks and driveways.
Using Root Barriers
I like to install root barriers to prevent my tree roots from growing too close to the foundations & structures. Root barriers are another great way that can help you mitigate potential damage. These barriers are made of various materials, including plastic and fabric, so choose one that suits your needs.
Choosing the Right Tree Species
Different varieties of dog food trees have different root systems and growing habits. So next time, when choosing a tree species for your location, you need to choose a variety that comes with a non-invasive root system which is very helpful in mitigating potential damage to foundations & structures. Avoid trees with shallow root systems.
Conclusion
I hope I have given you enough information on the question ‘how far from the house to plant dogwood trees’ and what factors you should consider when planting dogwood trees.
Depending on distance, I also gave you the advantages and disadvantages of planting a dogwood tree near your house. If you find this article helpful, then please share it.
Your share will help many people learn about the potential problems that may arise by planting a dogwood tree or any other larger tree nearby foundations or houses.
Your one share may help someone save their old house with a vehicle foundation and lots of memories from getting damaged. Check our other helpful guide on dogwood tree care and management shared on this website. See you in the next post, till then, take care and goodbye.