Trees You Should Never Plant in Your Yard, According to the Experts

Experts warn that certain trees should be avoided in home landscapes to prevent long-term maintenance headaches. The Tree of Heaven is intrusive, regrows from roots after cutting, smells bad, and often hosts the spotted lanternfly. Colorado Blue Spruce, though attractive in the mountains, struggles outside its native range and becomes high-maintenance and disease-prone.

False Acacia, or black locust, grows quickly but suckers at the base, making it invasive in many regions. Arborists Tammy Sons, Erik Lindberg, and Matt Tutt advise choosing native, low-maintenance trees instead. The article concludes that, once established, large trees are difficult to remove and require ongoing upkeep.