Remember the old RSPCA advert about puppies and how they’re cute and cuddly now, but they all grow up eventually? Saplings are like that – they are small now, but they’ll eventually grow into a big (if not huge) tree, so it’s always very important to try to plant with the tree’s eventual dimension and temperament in mind otherwise you’ll end up with a tree that just needs to be removed. If you’re thinking about planting a tree in Brisbane or surrounds, we’ve created a list of some of the worst trees to plant in the area and we hope this will help you decide on the best course of action.
What Are the Worst Trees to Plant Near Your Home?
Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla)
These huge figs – as well as similar large, invasive species of fig – are a stunning tree when in their natural environment but if you have one in your back yard, you may have a problem! The roots of Moreton Bay Figs are very invasive they usually cover a huge area, which means you need to have a lot of room. You should leave at least a 25 metre-wide radius around a fig (preferably more) and this includes leaving this radius free of any pipes, structures, pathways or fencing.
Tipuana Tree (Tipuana tipu)
Tipuana Trees are huge, wide trees growing approximately 30 metres wide and 20 metres high. This makes them a great tree for shade in, say, a large park or on a property, but in a yard, this tree may be too big to handle. The primary reasons people run into trouble with huge trees like these are the root systems impinging on underground services and lifting concrete or even house foundations. Tipuanas also reproduce quickly and easily, so if you have one on your property, you may quickly find you have a few growing. In QLD, this tree is known as an environmental weed so should be removed asap.
Poinciana Tree (Delonix regia)
Poinciana Trees are huge, sprawling trees that are truly stunning when in full bloom, but a bit of a pain if you have one in your garden when they start dropping their flowers all over your car and in your guttering! If you have a huge property and can spare the ground space to grow this low-canopied tree, then you’ll have a lovely red-flowered tree. If not though, this tree can tear apart your piping, grow branches through your windows and can topple during cyclones.
Cocos Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)
Cocos Palms are huge palms common to the east coast of Queensland, but are considered an environmental weed. Also known as Queen Palms, this spectacular-looking species is tall and slender, but has a very invasive root system and drops hundreds of seeds each season, meaning they should be kept away from structures, piping and concreted areas.
Bamboo (Bambusoideae)
Bamboo isn’t actually a tree, but deserves special mention here as not only do we have a lot of customers who request us to remove it, but it’s also a plan that can quickly grow to be as large as a tree and much more invasive! Bamboo grows to about 12 metres high in ideal conditions and it is considered one of the world’s fastest growing plants. Because of these factors, people have planted it for privacy screening, not realising that it takes huge amounts of effort to keep it under control.
Whether you’re thinking about planting a new yet-unknown tree or trying to decide whether to plant a specific species, we hope this post will help you plan your next move or your garden layout. If you’d like to know which trees are good to plant in your yard, check out our article ‘The Best Trees to Plant Near Your Home’. If you find that you have one of these problem trees (or another type), give one of our professional and friendly team members a call on 0400 249 099 and we’ll be able to quote you a great price on your tree removal or lopping needs.
