How Close Can an Olive Tree Be to Your House? Tips for Home Landscapers
Planting trees can make or break a landscape, right? It’s all about the balance between beauty and practicality, especially when you consider long-term growth. Take the olive tree, for example.
With its elegant, twisted trunk and lush canopy, it seems like the perfect addition to any yard. But, like many things in life, there’s more to consider than meets the eye. While an olive tree can lend an air of Mediterranean charm to your home, planting one too close to your house can cause more harm than good.
So, can you plant an olive tree near your house? The short answer: It depends. Let’s dig in (pun intended).
The Beauty and Brawn of the Olive Tree
Olive trees, with their silvery green leaves and gnarled trunks, offer both aesthetic and practical appeal. Some varieties even bear fruit, which is a lovely bonus for those who want a homegrown touch.
These trees are a hallmark of Mediterranean gardens, thriving in hot, dry conditions, and many people find their shape and history downright poetic. But when it comes to planting one near your home, the charm doesn’t come without potential headaches.
A fully grown olive tree can reach about 40 feet in height, with a canopy that stretches 15 feet wide. That may sound manageable, but here’s where it gets tricky: The tree’s roots often spread even farther than its canopy.
Picture it like this: While the leaves are providing shade and beauty, the roots are working double-time underground, extending well beyond what you see above ground.
These roots are strong and determined, and while they don’t grow as aggressively as some other species, they can still cause significant damage if they get too close to foundations, sewer lines, or utilities.
Should You Worry About Your Home’s Foundation?
It’s not just a question of “Will the tree fit in this space?” but also, “What will it do to the house?” Olive trees might not have the invasive root systems of, say, a willow, but they’re no shrinking violets either.
As the tree grows, its roots extend outward in search of water and nutrients. If planted too close to your home, these roots can undermine your foundation.
Here’s how: The roots themselves don’t necessarily crack the foundation directly, but as they grow beneath it, they absorb water and nutrients, creating voids in the soil.
Over time, this soil settles, which can cause the foundation to shift or sink, leading to cracks and costly repairs. The foundation becomes like a puzzle with a missing piece. You might not see the effects right away, but over time, you’ll notice cracks in walls, sticking doors, and uneven floors – all signs of foundation movement.
| Olive Tree Quick Facts | Details |
| Height | Up to 40 feet |
| Canopy Width | 15 feet wide |
| Root Spread | Farther than canopy |
| Root Risk to Foundation | Medium to high if planted too close |
Read: How to Prevent Tree Roots From Growing Above Ground
Sewer Systems: A Hidden Battle Beneath the Ground
Another big consideration is your sewer lines. Olive tree roots may not be aggressive, but they sure are opportunistic. Sewer lines, which often have moist conditions from tiny cracks or joints, can attract tree roots like ants to a picnic. The moisture and nutrients inside the pipes make them a prime target for growing roots.
Once the roots find their way into these pipes, they don’t stop. They expand, growing thicker and more extensive, eventually blocking the sewer line altogether. Now, nobody wants to deal with the nightmare of blocked sewers—it’s messy, expensive, and frankly, avoidable.
If you know where your sewer lines are, keep your olive tree a safe distance away from them. Trust me, it’s not a fun surprise when your tree’s roots have made your plumbing their new home.
Ground Surface and Root Interaction
Olive trees have a bit of a temperamental relationship with the soil surface. These trees rely heavily on their feeder roots, which sit in the top 3 inches of soil, to get the nutrients they need to grow. This might seem harmless enough, but it limits what you can do with the soil around the tree.
In a 15-foot radius around the tree (sometimes more, depending on its size), digging, planting, or doing any major landscaping could damage these roots. Damaging these shallow feeder roots can weaken the tree and, in severe cases, lead to its death. It’s like stepping on someone’s toes—they might be able to walk it off, but too many bruises, and they’ll start limping.
If you enjoy gardening or expect to do any digging near where you want to plant your olive tree, you’ll need to rethink that area. Olive trees essentially claim their space, and they don’t play nice when you interfere with their root zone.
Digging Safely and Avoiding Underground Utility Damage
One more thing to keep in mind—digging! Before you even think about planting, check where your underground utilities lie. Most utilities are buried at least 12 inches deep, but tree roots can still reach them. Hitting a utility line when planting an olive tree could not only lead to significant property damage but also create a dangerous situation for you and your family.
Before planting, call your local utility department and let them know you’re planning to dig. They’ll come out and mark any lines, so you know what areas to avoid. It might feel like overkill, but better safe than sorry. Damaging a utility line can turn a simple planting project into a headache of epic proportions.
Tips for Planting Olive Trees Near Your House
All this might sound like a lot of “don’t” and “watch out,” but there are ways to enjoy the beauty of an olive tree without risking your home’s safety.
Here are a few quick tips to keep things on track:
- Plant at a safe distance: Aim to plant your olive tree at least 20 feet away from any structures or utility lines. This gives the roots plenty of room to grow without encroaching on your home or other important areas.
- Choose the right variety: Not all olive trees grow to the same size. Dwarf varieties stay smaller and could be a better option if you have limited space.
- Plan for canopy size: Remember, the canopy will reach up to 15 feet wide, so account for that when choosing your planting location.
- Avoid sewer lines: If you know where your sewer lines are, steer clear. Give at least a 10-15-foot buffer to avoid root intrusion.
| Consideration | Recommended Distance |
| House/Foundation | At least 20 feet away |
| Sewer Lines | 10-15 feet minimum |
| Other Structures/Utilities | 20 feet away |
| Other Trees/Vegetation | Space according to canopy width |
Final Thoughts: Olive Trees—Friend or Foe?
In the right place, olive trees are beautiful, hardy, and functional. They’re a fantastic addition to the landscape, providing shade, charm, and possibly even olives for your kitchen. However, if planted too close to your home or over utility lines, their roots can cause some real problems.
When it comes to planting an olive tree near your house, it’s all about planning ahead. With enough space, care, and consideration, you can enjoy the beauty and bounty of this ancient tree without worrying about its roots becoming an unwelcome guest in your foundation or plumbing. After all, as the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” So, plant wisely, and your olive tree will reward you for decades to come.
