4. Paper birch

Birches are lovely specimen trees that have long been used in landscapes for their rustic yet graceful look. Often planted in groups of three or four, their beauty is obvious, and they are found throughout the US, far outside of their natural range in the far north.

Unfortunately, paper birches are among the worst trees to plant in a yard. Like all other birches, they have drawbacks that make them unfortunate choices for the modern landscape. They drop lots of branches, catkins, leaves, and seeds, making them some of the worst trees to plant near high-traffic areas or pools.

On top of that, paper birches are prone to being struck by bronze birch borers, insects that dig into the tree, eventually killing it.

What to plant instead: If you love the elegant look of a paper birch tree, try planting river birches. These trees grow in warmer climates and are less affected by bronze birch borers. They still drop leaf litter, but if strategically placed, these trees can be viewed from afar without the trouble of cleanup.

Our list of the worst trees to plant in a yard doesn’t end here, so keep reading to discover other specimens you should avoid at all costs!