Cinnamon tree roots can damage house foundations with their powerful invasive capabilities
Cinnamon tree roots grow extensively. The primary root can reach depths of 2-4 meters, while the secondary roots spread out even further, reaching beyond 5 meters. If planted less than 3 meters away from a house, consequences will eventually arise.
The primary root can exert pressure on and infiltrate concrete foundations, causing cracks and subsidence, which then lead to wall cracks. The secondary roots form a network that can invade plumbing systems, especially older pipes, resulting in significant blockages and costly repairs.
Research indicates that trees with strong roots, like the cinnamon tree, often have an area of influence that is 1.5 times the diameter of their canopy. So, if the canopy spreads 3 meters wide, the root’s area of influence can reach up to 4.5 meters.
For mature cinnamon trees (over 5 years old), the destructive effects are even more pronounced.
The pleasant fragrance of cinnamon flowers can actually be harmful to health
While the scent of cinnamon flowers is appealing, it contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are not beneficial to health.
Botanical experiments reveal that the fragrance of cinnamon flowers primarily consists of linalool, eugenol, and nerolidol. When the concentration of these compounds is high, sensitive individuals may experience respiratory discomfort such as dizziness and nausea, especially the elderly, children, or those with a history of asthma.
At night, when humidity is typically higher, the cinnamon scent lingers longer in the air. If windows are left open during sleep, the fragrance can easily enter the room and stimulate the nervous system, disrupting sleep.
The flowering season, typically from September to October, is when these effects are most noticeable. Research shows that if linalool concentrations exceed 0.3 mg/m³, about 20% of people will experience mild discomfort. If concentrations surpass 0.8 mg/m³, the percentage of sensitive individuals affected increases to 70%.
“Allelopathy”: The inhibitory effect of cinnamon trees on surrounding plant growth
Cinnamon tree roots and fallen leaves release allelochemicals, creating a “chemical barrier” in the soil that inhibits the growth of weeds and surrounding plants—a phenomenon known as “allelopathy.”
This is why you rarely see weeds or other plants growing under a cinnamon tree. The phenolic compounds released by the roots can reduce the germination rate and growth of other plants by more than 40%.
The soil under a cinnamon tree gradually loses its nutrients, becomes hardened, and degrades. Even if the tree is cut down, the soil requires extensive rehabilitation to recover.
Cinnamon flowers shed profusely and can clog drainage systems
Cinnamon flowers are small, but they shed abundantly, with up to 300g/m² falling during the flowering season. When the wind blows, these flowers can accumulate in front of your house, especially if there is a drainage channel nearby, leading to blockages.
Stagnant water emits an unpleasant odor and provides an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. As the flowers decompose, they release a sticky substance that, combined with soil, can clog pipes more effectively than fallen leaves. During the rainy season, these blockages can lead to serious flooding and water intrusion into homes.
What if you still want to grow a cinnamon tree?
If you still wish to grow a cinnamon tree, consider choosing a dwarf variety like “Tu Quy Que,” which has a smaller canopy and root system, minimizing its impact on the surrounding environment.
When planting, maintain a distance of at least 3 meters from any structures, and install root barriers to prevent invasion. Annual pruning is essential to control the size of the canopy and the number of flowers produced.
In conclusion, while planting a cinnamon tree in front of your house may seem appealing due to its beauty and fragrance, it can lead to a host of problems, including root damage to foundations, sleep disturbances, soil degradation, and drainage issues. Carefully consider whether the cinnamon tree is truly the best choice for your front yard.
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