Experts Warn Against 5 Trees You Shouldn't Plant in Front of Your House—Silent Problems Many Overlook
Experts warn against planting five types of fruit trees—including durian, star fruit, breadfruit, and fig—near homes due to maintenance challenges, falling fruit hazards, pest attraction, and structural damage risks.
Homeowners, take note! Experts warn against planting 5 types of fruit trees in front of your house—silent problems that many overlook. If your home has these trees, beware of the cascading issues.
Compiled by Sadsad Online News Team May 12, 2025
According to foreign media reports, many Vietnamese families enjoy planting fruit trees near their homes or in yards for shade, beauty, and access to fresh fruit. However, there are 5 types of fruit trees that experts recommend against planting near homes, as they may cause inconvenience and various problems.
1. Durian Durian trees are among those not recommended for planting in front of homes, as they create maintenance challenges and potential hazards. Durians are large perennial trees with wide canopies that can grow dozens of meters tall. When fully mature, the foliage covers a large area, leaving the front of the house dark and cramped. According to feng shui principles, front areas should be open to receive light and positive energy, so large trees are seen as blocking beneficial energy from entering the home.
Additionally, durian fruits are heavy and spiky. If planted near walkways, garages, or children's play areas, falling fruit can cause injuries to people and damage to property. There have been numerous reports of people injured by falling durians. The smell of ripe durians is quite strong, attracting fruit flies, ants, and various insects. Moreover, leaves drop heavily during the dry season, requiring more cleaning time.
2. Star Fruit Star fruit trees produce fruit year-round. When ripe fruit falls to the ground, it ferments quickly, emitting a sweet-sour smell that attracts golden fruit flies, ants, and bees. If homeowners don't clean consistently, the front area may become dirty, damp, and slippery, especially during rainy seasons. Additionally, star fruit trees grow into thick, dense bushes. Without regular pruning, spreading branches can block sunlight from the front area, making it appear narrow and dark. According to local beliefs, front areas should be bright, open, and well-ventilated to create a pleasant atmosphere, so dense-canopied trees are often unsuitable for these locations.
3. Breadfruit Breadfruit trees are loved by many for their shade and large fruits, but they're unsuitable for planting in front of homes in urban areas or homes with limited space. Breadfruit trees have strong root systems, large trunks, and fast-growing canopies. If planted too close to the house, roots may affect the foundation or walls long-term. When fruits ripen, they emit a strong smell, attracting fruit flies, ants, and bees to the front area. Furthermore, the tree's latex is sticky and leaves drop considerably, requiring more cleaning time. For homes with limited space, large breadfruit trees may make the area feel cramped and take up too much space.
4. Fig Fig trees carry auspicious meanings related to abundance and prosperity, so many people enjoy planting them in gardens. However, this type of tree is often better suited for planting in garden corners or along the sides of the house rather than directly in front of the main entrance. Figs belong to the Moraceae family, so they have strong, spreading root systems. If planted too close to the house, they may damage the building's structure. The dense foliage also reduces natural light to the front area. Fig fruits grow thickly along trunks and branches, and when ripe, they attract various insects, especially fruit flies and ants. Without regular cleaning, the front area may appear damp and dirty.
5. Mulberry According to local beliefs, the word 'mulberry' carries...
