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Fixing problems like cracks in your home’s foundation, water damage, or uneven floors and door frames can be expensive—usually in the $2,000 to $8,000 range. Fortunately, there are several foundation landscaping guidelines to follow that can prevent headaches and hefty repair bills. We spoke to experts about steps they can take when planning their landscape that really help protect their home’s foundation.
Avoid planting trees and shrubs too close to your house.
One of the most helpful ways to protect your home is its foundation Plant trees and shrubs far from the housesays Steve Corcoran, CEO Lawn Love. Some plants and trees have invasive root systems or can cause moisture-related problems that can damage your foundation. “Shrubs and larger plants should generally be planted at least 5 feet away from your home, while most trees should be planted at least 20 feet away.” However, you should also plant some species known for their elongated, strong roots, such as oaks and poplars.
The following distances from the foundation are recommended:
- Small shrubs (less than 3 feet tall): 3 to 4 feet
- Medium shrubs (3 to 5 feet tall): 4 to 6 feet
- Large shrubs (5-plus feet tall): 6 to 10 feet
- Small trees (less than 20 feet tall): At least 10 to 20 feet apart
- Large trees (over 20 feet tall): At least 20 to 40 feet away
Build a shed around the foundation to reduce heat and insulate.
Many people don’t associate landscaping with foundation insulation, but heat and cold cycles at ground level are a real stressor for concrete and masonry over time, and smart planting controls both, says Joanne Loftus, president and owner. Archival Designs in Suwannee, Georgia. she suggests Positioning trees On the south and west sides of your house to shade those walls during the hottest hours of the day. “On projects I’ve designed, it reduces the heat load on the walls during the summer months, the soil stays more evenly moist, and the foundation stays cooler.”
Another way to create a shade, reduce heat and Insulate your foundation Installing awnings, shutters, a pergola or light-colored siding to help reflect heat, says Erik Goranson, an interior designer and host of Lake Oswego, Oregon. The Around the House Show. “You can also plant shrubs or vines a little apart on the trellises; they create air gaps that act like insulation without touching the house,” he recommends. Just avoid planting anything against walls.
Make sure your yard is properly graded.
It is important to take the time to inspect your yard properly numbered. “Most homeowners never think about it, but the soil around your foundation should be pulled away from the house at a rate of about 6 inches per 10 feet,” advises Loftus. “Otherwise, the water will push against the foundation wall, and over time, the pressure will increase.”
If this happens, you will see water pooling. Loftus has seen this cause serious problems on projects where everything else was perfect. When grading is not enough, Yard drainage solutions French drains and swales are your next option, says Loftus. “They prevent water from reaching the wall and divert it away.”
Choose the most protective ground cover.
Having something to cover the soil helps prevent soil erosion and compaction, which can result in settling and foundation damage. Expensive repairs. However, the type of Ground cover you choose But can make a difference. “You want to stay away from choices like bark or mulch, which can attract pests like termites or cause waterlogging,” suggests Corcoran.
Instead, opt for gravel or rubber mulch, which encourage adequate drainage and don’t attract as many pests. If you likes plantsConsider planting open flower beds with vines such as periwinkle, sweet woodruff, ivy, creeping juniper or liriope.
Cut off insect entry.
According to Loftus, landscaping and pest control go hand in hand more than most homeowners realize. This is the most frequent mistake she sees Mulch is stacked up against foundation walls. “It’s an invitation to cough, ants and rats because they need shelter and moisture, which is provided by the moist organic material against the wall.”
The fix here is simple. Loftus recommends removing at least 6 inches of mulch and soil from the foundation wall and maintaining this distance throughout the year. “That space removes the hiding places that pests need to access the structure,” says Loftus. He agrees that gravel borders near the foundation are the long-term answer. “They don’t hold as much water as organic mulches, nor do they compact against the wall and change with the seasons.”
In addition, Goranson recommends making sure plants, wood and debris don’t touch the house. This prevents insects from giving direct access inside. “This actually ties in perfectly with wildfire safety regulations, which recommend a 0- to 5-foot clear zone around the base with no vegetation of any kind,” he explains.
Even if you’re not selling your home, you’ll appreciate curb appeal updates
