How to Plant Trees Near Concrete

Trees beautify our environment. They provide shade, homes for birds and can increase the value of your property. When planting trees near concrete, however, it is very important to consider which trees will not cause damage and will minimize the mess on your walkway. When planting a tree near a concrete sidewalk, sewer or a walkway, most damage is likely to occur near the tree's roots. What are the best ways to avoid this damage?

Plant smaller trees. Smaller trees have small leaves and they normally tend to be tightly "packed" together and their roots do not spread for long distances. A good example of a "small" tree is the Saucer Magnolia. It grows up to 25 feet and it does well in moderately-shaded, moist areas with acidic soil. It produces aromatic purple flowers and white and pink flowers during cold seasons.

Krauter Vesuvius also grow up to 25 feet tall. It blooms from late winter to the beginning of spring with aromatic pink flowers. This plant does well in sunny and moderately-shaded areas with wet soil.

Plant fruitless trees. When planting a tree near a concrete pathway, trees that bear fruits are not ideal. They will make the walkways appear messy when they drop fruit. Consider planting species like Autumn Gold. This tree flourishes in dry, acidic solid. It turns gold during fall and does not produce fruit.

Another beautiful fruitless tree is the Majestic Beauty. It grows up to 25 foot tall. Normally, this tree has grey and green leaves and it produces aromatic flowers during spring.

Plant slow growing trees. Trees that grow slowly will cause less damage to the concrete. Consider planting species like the Little Gem, which grows to 50 feet tall and does well in wet, but well drained area. It is green and blooms with white flowers in the spring.

Another alternative is Marina. It grows up to 40 feet tall has features relatively smooth plants.

"Some species can cause plenty of damage to landscapes with concrete," said a spokesperson for a Colorado Springs concrete company. "This is especially true in regards to trees that grow quickly with roots that spread aggressively. If you are in a situation where you must plant new concrete, avoid species like oaks, locusts, ash, cottonwoods, silver maples, sycamores and boxelders. Always remember that trees with aggressive running roots will cause damage to walking paths."