Avoid These 5 Plants That Can Damage Your Home

Enhancing your home with plants can create a vibrant atmosphere, but certain choices can lead to significant damage. Homeowners must exercise caution when selecting trees and shrubs for their gardens. Some plants, while visually appealing, can cause structural issues, harm plumbing, and disrupt outdoor surfaces.

To help you make informed decisions, here are five plants that should be avoided when planting near your home.

1. English Ivy

English ivy poses a serious risk to homes due to its invasive nature. This climbing plant can infiltrate small cracks in walls, leading to extensive structural damage over time. According to the USDA, ivy can trap moisture against walls, creating an environment conducive to mold growth.

Removing ivy can also be problematic, as its vines cling tightly to surfaces, potentially causing further damage during removal efforts.

2. Trumpet Vine

The trumpet vine is known for its striking orange and scarlet flowers, which attract hummingbirds. Despite its aesthetic appeal, this plant is classified as an invasive species by the USDA. If left unchecked, it can rapidly spread and create complications for homeowners.

Trumpet vines possess aerial roots that cling to walls and can overwhelm structures. Additionally, they self-seed, leading to unwanted growth in unintended areas.

3. Wisteria

Wisteria is celebrated for its beautiful flowers, often seen cascading from trellises and arbors. However, this plant can become a nuisance. Non-native varieties such as Chinese and Japanese wisteria can grow up to 60 feet per year, wreaking havoc on nearby structures.

Even the native species, Wisteria frutescens, is known to reach heights of 30 feet annually. Homeowners are advised to prune these plants regularly to prevent them from becoming unmanageable.

4. Arborvitae

Arborvitae is frequently chosen for its dense foliage, providing an effective privacy screen. Yet, this fast-growing tree can reach heights of 50 to 60 feet if not pruned regularly. The ‘Green Giant’ variety can grow up to three feet in a year, making it essential to maintain its size.

Although arborvitae has shallow roots that are less likely to damage foundations, keeping it at a safe distance from your home is advisable to avoid potential branch interference with structures.

5. Bamboo

Bamboo can add an exotic touch to any garden, but it requires careful management. Certain species grow at astonishing rates, with some varieties reaching up to 35 inches daily, according to Guinness World Records.

Running bamboo, in particular, can spread aggressively through horizontal rhizomes, damaging foundations and plumbing. In contrast, clumping bamboo grows vertically and is less invasive, making it a safer choice for residential areas.

As you plan your landscaping, it is essential to consider the potential impact of these five plants on your home’s structure. By making informed choices, you can enjoy a beautiful garden without the risk of damage.