Black gum tree distance from structures, driveways - Ask Extension
Hi, we are considering planting a black gum tree in our smallish front yard, and wondering about placement. We live in Columbia, where the houses &am...
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Black gum tree distance from structures, driveways #864305
Asked April 12, 2024, 6:39 PM EDT
Hi, we are considering planting a black gum tree in our smallish front yard, and wondering about placement. We live in Columbia, where the houses & driveways are packed fairly closely together, and want to avoid future problems. We're looking at a 'Tupelo Tower', a narrower cultivar that grows 30-40' tall but only about 20' wide. The Seattle.gov site suggests siting a similarly sized tupelo cultivar ('Firestarter') 15' from houses, 7.5-10' from driveways. Shall we assume their recommendations are good for our area? I know tupelo root systems have a long deep taproot, and wondering if we could safely plant as close as 10 feet from house. The 5 ft difference would give us a lot more options in our small space. Thanks!
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi, Merilee,
While Black Gum, Nyssa sylvatica, is a wonderful native tree, we
would not recommend planting any large-statured tree as close as 10 feet from a house, regardless of root structure. Even if it has a taproot into adulthood, which many trees do not, the majority of the roots are still going to spread well beyond the drip line. You can read about the Black Gum by clicking on the link, and perhaps find another place in your yard for this great tree.
Thank you for your question.
Barbara
While Black Gum, Nyssa sylvatica, is a wonderful native tree, we
would not recommend planting any large-statured tree as close as 10 feet from a house, regardless of root structure. Even if it has a taproot into adulthood, which many trees do not, the majority of the roots are still going to spread well beyond the drip line. You can read about the Black Gum by clicking on the link, and perhaps find another place in your yard for this great tree.
Thank you for your question.
Barbara
