AboutJim Hyland Expertise Registered Forester in the Southern US with 30 years experiance in managing pines. Expert in pine forest health from management to control of pests to ID of species.
Question I would like to plant a row of italian cypress trees to shade the west-facing side of my house, which is south of Houston. But, there isn't much room between the house and the driveway. How far away from the foundation do they need to be? Thanks.
Answer Italian Cypress at maturity have a foliage spread of about 5 feet and the roots will extend to about 8 feet. You should not have a problem with the roots of Italian Cypress bothering the foundation or the drive. They do not have massive roots like an oak or other hardwood trees. The need to be the 8 feet from the drive to make sure the limbs do not hit the car went you enter the drive. But 5 feet would be ok as long as you prune the limbs that grow over the drive.
