Helena Talbot's blog - Ten Trees That Should Never Be Planted In Your Yard

If you are planning on doing some tree planting, you need to think long term.   You need to think about height, width and how extensive the root system of the trees you like will be.  Many people just run out and buy something that they think they are going to like without ever considering what that tree is going to be like in a few years. Therefore, they have created a nightmare for themselves.  Don't let this be you!
Here are ten trees that you should never plant in your yard.

1.  Silver Maple.  It is a very big, fast growing tree with a shallow root system that will work its way into your sewer system.  Not to mention that it will put cracks in your sidewalks and driveway.

2.  Quaking Aspen.  This is a very nice looking tree with its white bark and attractive leaves.  However, this tree has a root system like none other.  It continually sprouts many, many suckers that try to turn into new trees.  This is a never ending battle and nothing is going to stop it.

3.  Hybrid Poplar.  This is a fast growing tree that will look great in your yard - for a while.  The hybrid poplars are very susceptible to disease and don't have a very long life span - 15 years if they make it that long.

4.  Willow.  Everyone loves a willow.  But no matter how beloved  the willow tree is, it has a very aggressive, water-hungry root system that will take over your drain fields, sewer lines,  your irrigation and anything else that gets in its way.

5.  Eucalyptus.  People love this tree because it can grow up to ten feet in a year.  But this tree can be dangerous because it drops heavy, resin filled branches.  Not to mention the maintenance nightmare you have just created because its bark peels off annually and will have to be cleaned up.

6.  Bradford Pear.  A favorite for many people due to its proportionate shape and its beautiful spring blossoms.  However, this tree, when at its maturity, is prone to splitting and cracking and those blossoms that everyone loves don't exactly smell "good".

7.  Mountain Cedar.  If you are prone to allergies, you already know that the mountain cedar releases tremendous amounts of pollen throughout the cooler months.  This will cause a severe allergic reaction to anyone within miles of this tree.

8.  Black Walnut.  This tree, while beautiful, makes a huge mess!  You will have to add cleaning up walnuts to your fall chores.  In addition, this tree secretes growth inhibiting toxins that will kill anything that is planted near it.

9.  Leyland Cypress.  Most people love this tree because it is fast growing, evergreen and it will create a nice privacy barrier for their house.  However, they require continual trimming and upkeep if you want them to remain healthy.  Additionally, once mature, they can be easily uprooted by a storm and their interiors harbor masses of dried twigs that can create a real fire hazard - so much so that some communities will not allow their homeowners to plant them.

10.  Mulberry.  Last but not least this tree releases massive amounts of pollen, messy fruit and is so dense that nothing will grow underneath it.

I hope you have found this article helpful.  If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, please call your realtor and they will provide you with everything you need to get you through the entire process seamlessly.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia. 

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods include Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

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