Question
Hi Marc,
We just moved to KC, Kansas (zone 5?) and purchased a new home with no landscaping in the back yard.  Can you give me some advice on what types of trees have non evasive root systems that I could plant closer to our foundation with no long term problems? (we have a daylight basement)  I am seeing landscaper plant pine trees which I wasn't sure if that was a good idea.  We have a typical 40' deep x 75' wide back yard.  I am also looking for a variety to plant along our cedar fence to aid in privacy.  Thanks in advance for the help.
Sue

Answer
It is easier to tell you what NOT to plant - Avoid planting these shallow rooted tree species near foundations and sidewalks: Norway maple (Acer platanoides), red maple (Acer rubrum), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), ash (Fraxinus spp.), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera), pin oak (Quercus palustris), poplars and cottonwoods (Populus spp.), willows (Salix spp.) and American elm (Ulmus americana) are all shallow rooted trees.

Pines generally have well-behaved roots, except Redwoods, and Swamp Cypress...and no tree should be closer to the house that about 10 feet, as they will get big and cause problems!

As for other plants appropriate for a zone 5, here is a link with a list of great ideas -

http://garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Gardening_Zone_5

For year-round privacy, nothing beats an evergreen (either tree or large shrub - near the bottom of the link), and of course, good fences make good neighbors!

Hope it helps.

~M