I adore everything about trees: their grandness, their beautiful hues that shift with the seasons, and how so many of them have been on Earth for much longer than we have. But as heartbreaking as it is to admit, looking after some of the stunning varieties out there is a complete pain.
From tearing up your garden to killing other plants, and littering your yard with various forms of debris – some types of trees just aren't worth the hassle unless you've got a lot of time and knowledge on your hands.
To help you know which trees to avoid adding to your yard, I asked an assortment of experts for their top "nightmare" tree picks. But if your favorite makes the list, fear not: the pros also suggested great alternatives that are similar but far lower maintenance.
1. Sycamore
Sycamore trees are much loved for their huge size and their iconic seeds that flutter down from the air. However, enjoying walking among sycamores in the local park is an entirely different experience to having them outside of your home. In your yard, they will take up endless space, litter the lawn, and possibly deal with a series of diseases.
Mark Chisholm, STIHL spokesperson and Director of Operations at Aspen Tree Expert Co, explains how the gorgeous sycamore is more stunning in its looks than in functionality.
"Sycamores can be appealing to homeowners due to their eye-catching mottled bark and impressive height. But while this fast-growing tree stuns and provides much-needed shade during hot summers, its enormous size, susceptibility to disease, and dropping of debris can make it difficult to maintain."
Mark recommends considering planting a lacebark elm tree in place of a sycamore tree. They have a similar silhouette as well as rather matching bark, minus a million seeds to drop and a low tolerance for diseases.
"Annual touch-ups on your lacebark with a pole saw and leaf management using a blower are typically all that’s needed to keep this tree looking healthy."
2. Weeping Willow
This one hurts, as weeping willows are some of my favorite trees in the world! I still remember there being one in school when I was five, which was sadly eventually removed. But after speaking to Mark about the cons of this ethereal tree, I can now unfortunately admit I'll never choose to have one in my garden.
"The cascading form of the weeping willow makes it a popular choice for homeowners, especially when planted near ponds or streams. But while this tree is undeniably beautiful, it's incredibly difficult to maintain due to its aggressive root systems, constant twig drop, and susceptibility to storm damage."
Storm damage is a major factor to bear in mind, as weeping willows are on the more fragile side. A hefty gust of wind, and your tree will be easily damaged.
"For a similar look with far less upkeep, consider the Alaskan cedar," suggests Mark. "It's a strong and disease-resistant tree that thrives in a wide range of climates."
If you notice growth of low branches directed towards the ground, you can simply saw them off to ensure even growth and a pleasing shape.
3. Bradford Pear
"With crisp white blossoms, fast growth, and wide availability, it can be tempting to add a Bradford pear tree to your yard," says Mark. "However, these trees are prone to splitting due to their brittle branch structure, which creates ongoing cleanup and safety concerns."
In addition, Bradford pears are considered invasive. Several states have even banned the trees as they can out-compete native species. Their fruit is inedible by human standards, and the flowers smell bad (fish and vomit are the most common comparisons). So, this one is really best avoided.
For a lower-maintenance alternative that produces its own white flowers and has a stronger branching habit, Mark recommends planting the serviceberry. It produces pretty white blooms, as well as stunning autumnal leaves and berries.
In terms of maintenance, Mark adds: "Occasional shaping with a pruner and seasonal cleanup of dropped berries with a leaf blower will keep it looking polished with minimal effort."
4. Aspen
If you're looking to ruin your yard, get an aspen tree. Their bark is silver and stunning with unique mottled patterns, and they have leaves that turn vibrant sunset gradients come autumn. But they'll be sure to rip up your lawn, harm other trees, and become dehydrated at the drop of a hat.
Steve Corcoran, CEO of Lawn Love, understands how trees can ruin a person's yard more than most. He shared with me just how damaging Aspen trees can be. "Everyone likes the way they look, and you’ll find them in a lot of places across the country, but you won’t often find them in people’s yards. One reason is that they need a lot of water, and a lot of yards aren’t equipped for that. Also, their roots end up spreading very wide and almost invasively, so they can sometimes take over nearby plants. On top of that, they are notorious for being affected by common tree pests."
A far better alternative tree for an Aspen in Steve's eyes is the classic Maple. They similarly produce beautiful fall colors and grow to a similar size. But if you're truly missing the silvery bark, adding a birch or two to your yard is also a good call.
A layer of mulch around the base when young and consistent watering will help to ensure your Maple tree grows healthily.
5. Cottonwood
People love cottonwood (Populus species) for their golden autumn glow and unique fluffy seeds. But when you're cleaning up a yard filled with fluff, broken tree limbs, and scattered bark that seems to find its way everywhere, you won't feel quite as enamored.
If you're able to look past the debris to the beauty, there's still far more to deal with, as Scott Seargeant of Seargeant Landscape & Arboriculture explains: "Cottonwood trees are allergenic. Their billowy seed can cause respiratory problems! On top of that, their root systems are surface-oriented and aggressive, and can quickly take over a yard. A cherry on top is how they are susceptible to borer insects, causing weakening of limbs, which often break and fall off."
You can save yourself a lot of hassle by choosing alternative trees with wow factor, like the Eastern redbud. It may not have fluffy seeds, but it has impressively vibrant magenta flowers bunched together that make an almost fluffy visual from afar.
Though it's important to note that redbuds won't fare well in yards prone to strong winds.
Shop Alternative Trees
An incredibly gorgeous tree that will fill your yard with autumnal color. It's more hardy than other trees on this list, as well as fast growing.
Another stunning pick that's resistant to cold as well as heat. Lacebark elms also produce a beautiful, intricate pattern on their bark.
Serviceberry trees produce lovely little clusters of white blooms, much loved by pollinators. They're also non-invasive and cold-hardy.
