There’s much more to landscaping than just picking out what plant life you like and where to place them. Your home’s foundation must also be taken into consideration. With that being said, here are six tips to help guide you with safely planting and landscaping around your home’s foundation.
Create Space
Leave at least two feet of space between your foundation and the planting area. Watering plants directly against your foundation will cause moisture build-up, which can lead to mold, termites, and costly damage. Never direct water towards your home’s foundation.
Watering The Yard
Water is your foundation’s worst enemy. Always remember to turn off any hoses or sprinkler systems after use. Otherwise, the water build-up will soak the ground for a prolonged period, which can cause moisture damage to your foundation.
Landscaping
It’s as important to landscape the sides and back of your property as it is to landscape the front. If only one part of the yard is landscaped, soil on that side will generally expand because it’s likely to be watered more often. Soil expansion can lead to foundation cracks, so it’s best to water your property uniformly.
Shrubs
Landscaping shrubs have one of three types of roots: fibrous, taproot, or adventitious. Fibrous roots are made up of many small roots, and thus make good foundation plants because they are non-invasive and can be removed more easily than shrubs with more robust root systems.
Slope & Mulch
Never slope the mulch of your flower beds towards your home. Make sure they lead away from your foundation (while keeping your plantings well-mulched). This will retain any consistent moisture near or under your foundation.
Planting Trees
Plant trees as far away from your home as possible. Trees with surface roots, like maple trees, will compromise your foundation and cause movement and cracks. The trees most known for damaging properties are poplar, oak and willow.