Defensive plants

ronniebiggs · June 2022

Hi all, I am trying to put some plants on the side of my house to discourage teens from loitering around and playing football against my wall. The problem is that I only have a 60-80cm strip of grass between the side of my house and this side road. Pyracantha was the immediate plant I thought of as a low level hedge to do the job. But I'm worried it might damage my foundations. I found a few things online that said it should be at least 3m away from the house itself. Therefore I am back to the drawing board. What can I plant that's defensive but won't ruin my foundations. Thanks in advance, MA

punkdoc · June 2022

I think Pyracantha would be fine.

Fire · June 2022

I have one growing right against my house and the building surveryor said it was fine.

Busy-Lizzie · June 2022

This was asked here before, maybe this will help. https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/905195/pyracantha-on-house-wall

I've often seen pyracantha against houses but the RHS doesn't think it's a good idea, half way down this article. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/trees/near-buildings

AnniD · June 2022

I have pyracantha growing against the house wall and the garden wall. Both have been there for over 30 years and haven't caused any damage.
If you're worried, you could maybe look at Berberis or Holly.

Ilikeplants · June 2022

Mahonia but I find it spreads low here. How about a spiky cordaline?

Defensive plants

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