How close to my house should a large holly tree be planted?

Question

When we moved into our house there were two very large holly bushes planted in front.  Over the years they have gotten much larger and now they block most of the light into the livingroom.  I am concerned that the roots might damage the house itself.  Also, if they stay where they are, they need to be trimmed because it is almost impossible to get around them to the backyard!  I think they should be removed because not only are they too big, they just seem to overpower all the plants in the front yard.  Can you offer some suggestions or cautions about these plants being where they are.

Answer 1

First and foremost is safety.................and it sounds like that Holly is way too close to the house.  It is blocking the light that is needed to keep your house dry & properly ventilated...............not good for wood siding and it will create mold & green moss when the sunlight can't properly get thru.  I would positively trim anything blocking the vision & light at the window.  Any tree that close can damage the septic, cell pool, drain field, pipes in & out.  I know they are beautiful, but maybe you could plant a new one 50 ft away and start timming that and eventually take it down.  Those Holly leaves will cut you so be careful.  I don't like trees to be higher than a roof..........think about a big wind with all those high branches.  You mention haveing trouble getting to the back yard, these trees are overgrown and need to be super trimmed for safety & light.