What to Plant (and Avoid) Near Drains and Pipes

Plants. Beautiful, yes; but could they be a threat to your home?

An ill-placed tree or large plant could be detrimental to your home if they’re positioned too close to drains and pipes. Over time, their growth can cause blockages and even damage, which could cost you thousands.

Here’s our expert advice when it comes to what’s garden-friendly and what should be avoided.

It is generally recommended that you do not plant anything within 10 metres of a drain. During Queensland summers, when plant growth is at its highest and rainfall can be torrential, it’s easy for plant and tree debris to get swept away. What’s difficult is the job you’ll have of removing the blockage later on.

At Parker Plumbing, we’ve seen firsthand what happens to homes affected by blocked drains. A blocked stormwater drain, for example, can cause significant damage to a front garden, with waters often threatening to enter the house itself. Blocked gutters can also severely damage your home. If the water has nowhere to go, it will spill over into your roof, which could damage your ceilings, cause mould growth and lead to flooding.

To keep your home safe from water damage and plumbing issues, here are some trees and plants you should avoid planting near drains.

Ivy

Some plants, like ivy, can transform the facade of a house, adding character as it changes with the seasons. But this creeping customer can also invade gutters and downpipes, clogging them with vines and leaves and potentially causing structural damage to your property. If you have ivy on your home, be sure to trim it down when it gets too close to gutters and downpipes.

Native gum trees

Our native gum trees like to shed. A lot. If you live near a gum tree, you’re probably well aware of this fact. In fact, you’ve probably encountered a clogged drain or bark-littered roof thanks to these pesky peelers. Downpipes and gutters are particularly susceptible to blockages, so be sure to trim branches and unclog your pipes regularly.

Pine trees

Pine needles might smell great, but too many can be a problem. These trees shed their needles all year round, meaning the buildup can lead to clogged drains and gutters. Pine trees also have extensive root systems, which can put pressure on underground pipes. Regular sweeping and maintenance around your property is essential when you have pine trees.

Eucalyptus trees

They may be loved by koalas, but eucalyptus trees can be a nightmare for drains and gutters. They shed constantly, dropping leaves, bark and twigs. This worsens in dry seasons when their fast growth and high consumption of water is at its peak.

If you want to keep your drains and gutters clear while still having greenery around your property, consider these safe, low-maintenance tree and plant alternatives:

Crepe myrtle

Crepe myrtles are an excellent choice for properties with gutters and drains thanks to their minimal leaf drop and non-invasive roots. These small, ornamental trees offer stunning seasonal colour, with vibrant summer flowers in shades of pink, red, purple and white. Their leaves fall in a controlled, predictable manner in autumn, making cleanup a breeze.

Evergreen magnolias

Unlike their deciduous counterparts, these magnolias retain their leaves year-round, which significantly reduces leaf litter. Their root systems are non-invasive, meaning they are unlikely to disrupt underground pipes or foundations. They are also highly resilient, thriving in various climates while requiring minimal upkeep.

Clumping bamboo

Certain species of clumping bamboo, like Bambusa and Fargesia, are a great option for gardens where the risk of blocked drains is high. Unlike running bamboo, clumping bamboo does not spread aggressively, making it a controlled and low-risk choice. Its dense foliage produces minimal leaf litter, and the plant itself is fast-growing, drought-resistant, and low-maintenance.

Coastal rosemary

This hardy, drought-tolerant Australian native shrub thrives in coastal and dry environments. It features small, fine leaves that resist excessive shedding, making it an excellent choice for areas near gutters and drains. It produces delicate white or pale purple flowers throughout the year, which attracts pollinators without creating much debris.

Taking proactive steps against tree and plant debris can save you thousands in future repairs. Proper planning and regular maintenance form the cornerstone of effective drain protection.
The most effective prevention starts with strategic tree placement. Experts recommend planting trees at least 10 metres away from drainage systems. For larger species with extensive or aggressive root systems, this distance should be increased to 30 metres.

Keeping Ipswich Drains Unblocked

Ipswich and Brisbane’s west receive some of the worst storms in Queensland. When the skies open up, the sheer volume of water can overwhelm your stormwater drains and gutters, which can be easily blocked by leaves, twigs and dirt.

If this happens to you, Parker Plumbing can help. We’re equipped to unblock drains and get your property back on track. Contact us today.

Dan Parker

Dan Parker is the Director of Parker Plumbing and has over 16+ years of experience in the plumbing industry. His commitment to providing exceptional customer service means that he has seen it all – anything to do with residential or commercial plumbing, he knows what to do. Passionate about helping people in his community, Dan strives to offer honest and reliable plumbing services in the Brisbane and Ipswich areas.