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Generally speaking, trees are incredibly beneficial for homeowners in Southfield, Michigan. But while many trees can provide money-saving shade in the summer, feed local wildlife, increase your property value, and beautify your property, others fail to provide many benefits and actually serve as liabilities.
The problem is that most homeowners don’t know which kinds of trees will be helpful and which ones are likely to create headaches. We’ll try to help by sharing some of the worst offenders — the trees you’ll want to avoid planting and potentially consider removing if they’re already present.
Read on to learn more about the trees you never want growing near your Southfield, Michigan home.
Common Problems Undesirable Trees Can Cause in Southfield, MI
Before we discuss some of the specific trees that can cause problems for homeowners in Southfield, it’s important to understand the basic traits that often lead to trouble. A few of the most notable issues include:
- Shallow Root Systems: Believe it or not, about 80% of all tree roots are found in the upper 24 inches of soil. But some trees produce exceptionally shallow root systems that can damage driveways, home foundations, and utility lines. These shallow roots also serve as trip hazards and frequently suffer mower damage.
- Poor Branch Structure: The manner in which a tree’s branches emerge from the trunk (or parent branches) significantly influences the branch’s stability and ability to remain securely attached. Poorly structured branches (such as those with narrow, V-shaped unions) put your family and property at serious risk.
- Pest and Disease Susceptibility: Various pests and diseases can leave trees weakened or kill them outright, making them hazardous and in need of removal. Virtually every tree species is vulnerable to some pests and pathogens, but a few species are notorious for frequently suffering these kinds of problems.
- Invasive Spreading Habits: Some tree species — especially many exotic, non-native varieties — can rapidly spread through the environment. This not only causes landscaping challenges, as you’ll be forced to have new seedlings removed repeatedly, but it causes ecological problems for native, beneficial species.
- High Litter Production: Almost every tree produces some amount of litter in the form of leaves, fruit, seeds, and small branches; some produce more than others. These problems can create landscaping issues, and in some cases, they can also lead to trip hazards or even property damage.
Note that any tree can present a safety hazard, no matter its species. For example, some trees may develop dangerous decay problems, suffer from root issues, or start dropping limbs frequently — all problems that’ll require investigation and potentially mitigation.
So, whether you have one of the tree species included in our list below or not, it’s always wise to have an ISA-certified arborist inspect your trees if you suspect something is wrong.
Seven Trees You Never Want Growing Near Your Southfield Home
While every tree is an individual with a fate that should be determined in conjunction with a certified arborist, the following species tend to cause problems more frequently than others.
1. Tree of Heaven
Historically native to China and Taiwan, the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is a highly invasive species that now grows throughout much of Michigan. One of the most reviled tree species in the entire U.S., this not only outcompetes many native species through its rapid reproductive pace, but it even releases allelopathic chemicals in the soil that inhibit the growth of other plants.
The tree of heaven also feeds many invasive pest species, such as the spotted lantern fly (Lycorma delicatula), and it is a very weak-wooded tree, which often sheds large branches. Given all these facts, these trees should always be removed whenever they’re discovered growing near Southfield homes.
2. Silver Maple
The silver maple (Acer saccharium) is actually native to the state of Michigan (though it’s more common in the northern peninsula), and it’s even planted deliberately by some landscapers, developers, and property owners. But while it isn’t typically regarded as an invasive species, it can still cause problems when grown near Southfield homes.
One of the most notable issues with the silver maple is its shallow, aggressive root system. But it is also a very fast growing tree that produces very weak wood. This, combined with the structural issues it often presents (narrow, V-shaped branch junctions are very common in this species), means that they often fall apart and shed large branches.
3. Norway Maple
While Michigan is home to several native maple species, the Norway maple (Acer platanoides) is an introduced species that’s considered invasive. It’s unfortunately quite prolific, and large specimens can produce more than 2,000 seeds each year. This, combined with the fact that the tree produces exceptionally dense shade, makes it hard for native plants to grow near it.
Norway maples also present some of the other problems that are common to many maple species, including poor branching structure and shallow root systems. Fortunately, many arborists, landscapers, and homeowners have begun planting native maples instead of Norway maples, but they’re still common in the Southfield area.
4. Bradford Pear
If the tree of heaven is the most despised tree in Michigan, the Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana) can make a strong argument for coming in second. While this plant is not yet formally banned in Michigan, as it is in some other states, new plantings may very well be prohibited in the near future, given all of the problems this tree causes.
Brandford pears are highly invasive, and they spread rapidly through areas in which they grow, outcompeting native species and reducing biodiversity. They’re also a safety hazard, as they tend to exhibit some of the worst branching structures of any tree in the world. And finally, while their spring blossoms are pretty, the flowers smell terrible.
5. Cottonwoods
Cottonwoods (Populus deltoides) are native to the state of Michigan, and they actually provide an array of ecological benefits for our local habitats. However, while they can be valuable trees for natural spaces, they’re not ideal for many residential locations — especially near homes, playgrounds, or other areas where people tend to spend a lot of time.
The problems stem from the fact that cottonwoods are remarkably fast-growing trees. Reaching up to 100 feet in height, cottonwoods may add up to 8 feet(!) of growth in a single calendar year. And like most other fast-growing trees, they are plagued by very weak wood. This often results in cottonwoods shedding large branches, which may lead to injuries or worse.
6. Willows
Michigan is home to at least 21 different willow species (Salix spp.), but most of these grow as shrubs or small trees and rarely cause serious problems for homeowners. However, two species — the native black willow (S. nigra) and the exotic weeping willow (S. babylonica) — can cause issues.
Both species are fast-growing, weak-wooded trees, which are capable of growing large enough (up to 100 feet in some cases) to create safety risks. However, the most common issue relates to their extremely shallow and aggressive root systems. Willows are often found to disrupt water lines and lift sidewalks. While they can be acceptable in residential properties, they must be located far from utility lines and hardscape to prevent damage.
7. Sweetgum
Sweetgum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua) aren’t historically native to Michigan, but they can thrive in our area when planted in a suitable location and provided with proper care. These large trees reach up to 100 feet in height and often produce glorious fall color, so they’re beloved by many.
However, they also present problems that should preclude them from being planted close to Southfield homes. The biggest issue they present is their fruit. These spiky “gumballs” can cover a large area and represent a maintenance issue and a trip hazard. Additionally, they often shed large branches suddenly and without warning.
What Should You Do If You Have One of These Trees on Your Southfield Property?
Just because you have a willow or silver maple growing on your property doesn’t mean you need to have it removed immediately. But it does mean you should have a conversation with a certified arborist about any potential problems it may present.
Some of the issues you’ll both want to consider include:
- The tree’s proximity to your home and other high-occupancy areas, especially if the tree is a safety hazard.
- The likelihood that it’ll spread if the species in question is invasive in Michigan.
- Whether the tree is offering any benefits (such as shade) that may offset its downsides.
- If there are any mitigation options possible (such as pruning) to reduce any risks presented.
- Your risk tolerance: Some homeowners are more comfortable with potential hazards than others.
- The likelihood that the tree’s roots will damage hardscape or utility lines.
Trust Longtree Tree Service with All Your Southfield Tree Care Needs!
No matter the tree species growing on your property, all Michigan homeowners need to establish a relationship with a team of tree-care professionals, like the arboricultural experts at Longtree Tree Service. We are proud to provide all of the tree-care services Southfield homeowners need, from routine pruning to crane-assisted removals to stump grinding.
Contact us today to set up a free consultation with one of our certified arborists and get the support you need to keep your trees safe, healthy, and thriving for years to come.
