How close should shrubs be planted to a house?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.When planting shrubs near your home, there is a risk of potential foundation damage caused by the roots and also a reduced level of airflow around your home which can lead to mold. Azaleas and hydrangeas should be planted at least 5 feet away from the house while a compact boxwood can be planted at a distance of 2-3 feet away. As a general rule, the tree or shrub's mature width should be considered over its nursery size to avoid unnecessary and costly relocations.
General Rule
- 3 feet minimum from foundations for most shrubs (Zones 5-9)
- Roots of lilac or viburnum can crack concrete within 5 years if planted too close
- Allow 18-24 inches between shrubs and siding for pest inspections
Dwarf Varieties
- Dwarf juniper (2 ft tall) safe at 2 feet with annual root pruning
- Boxwood 'Winter Gem' thrives 2.5 feet from walls in Zones 5-9
- Avoid mulch volcanoes, keep 6 inches clear of stems
Large Shrubs
- Hydrangea needs 5-7 feet, roots spread 3x canopy width
- Holly (8 ft mature) requires 8+ feet for foundation safety
- Check local codes, some cities mandate 10-foot setbacks for fire-prone areas
Just recently, I worked with a client to relocate overgrown hydrangeas that were planted only 18 inches from their foundation. This was a $1,200 job that could have been entirely avoided. The roots of the plants had started to lift patio stones and trap moisture against the home, creating the perfect environment for termites. Now they are utilizing dwarf spirea instead, 3 feet out in the landscaping, with gravel drainage trenches.
Types of soils can impact the amount of spacing. Clay soils retain moisture, which causes roots to swell out. Add 1 foot to the recommended distances under these conditions. As for sandy soils? You can generally plant closer together but monitor plant growth. No matter what, always amend your plant holes with compost to help roots refrain from seeking moisture from the foundation of your home.
It is important to consider mature widths stated on nursery tags, such as viburnum sold in 3-gallon containers, which can grow up to 10 feet wide. Think about looking at the USDA's zone map to check the plant that grows in your area. A neighbor's juniper performed well above expectations in Zone 7, requiring emergency trimming to keep it out of the gutters.
Read the full article: 10 Low Maintenance Shrubs for Effortless Landscapes
