Landscape · Planting

Tree Planting Setback from Foundation

Recommended minimum distance between a tree trunk and a building foundation, based on mature canopy size.

3000–6000 mm / 10–20 ft

Description

Root systems and canopy spread scale with mature tree size; planting too close risks foundation and utility line damage as roots mature.

Sources

  • Arboricultural planting guidelines

Tags

Values

Small tree (<9 m / 30 ft mature height)Minimum
3000 mm10 ft
Medium tree (9–15 m / 30–50 ft)Minimum
4500 mm15 ft
Large tree (>15 m / 50 ft)Minimum
6000 mm20 ft