Juniper Roots and House Foundations: Why 18 Inches Is Too Close

Hello Margaret,

I strongly advise against planting a juniper only 18 inches from a brick house wall. Junipers develop extensive lateral roots that also penetrate deeply, making them a real risk to foundations, drainage pipes, and paving. This genus needs generous space—both above and below ground—to thrive without causing structural issues.

If you need an evergreen accent near the house, consider slower-growing, compact cultivars of boxwood (Buxus), dwarf conifers like Picea glauca 'Conica', or broadleaf evergreens such as Ilex crenata 'Compacta', all of which have more restrained root systems.

Gill