Good landscaping can make a home look better and provide a nice place to spend time outdoors. But some yard choices can also send water toward your house or disturb the soil around the foundation, which may lead to costly problems.
Foundation damage can mean cracks, leaks, shifting, and expensive repairs. The good news is that many landscaping problems are preventable if you pay attention to water flow, plant placement, and what you put around your home.
Here are some common yard mistakes that could put your foundation at risk.
Improper Grading
Your yard should direct rainwater away from your home rather than toward it. If the ground slopes toward the house, water can collect around the foundation, contributing to leaks, cracks, and other moisture problems.
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Ignoring Drainage Issues
Poor drainage can leave excess water pooling near your foundation after heavy rain or regular watering. Gutters, downspouts, and French drains can help move that water away from the house before it becomes a bigger problem.
Planting Shrubs Too Close to the Foundation
Shrubs may be smaller than trees, but their roots can still affect the soil around your home. Planting them several feet away from the foundation gives the roots room to grow without crowding the area right next to your house.
Adding Too Much Soil Near the Foundation
Adding soil around your house may seem like an easy way to level out the yard. Too much soil against the foundation can trap moisture and put extra pressure on the structure.
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Piling Leaves and Mulch
Leaves and mulch can hold moisture, especially when they pile up along the side of your home. Keep organic material a few inches away from the foundation so water can drain and the area can dry out.
Overwatering Your Plants
Too much water around your home can leave the surrounding soil saturated for long periods. As soil becomes wet and then dries out, it can expand and contract, which may put stress on the foundation.
Pay attention to where your sprinklers are spraying and avoid soaking the soil right next to the house. If you want to use less water in your yard, Xeriscaping may be worth looking into.
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Incorrect Installation of Patios or Walkways
Patios and walkways should direct water away from your house rather than toward it. If the surface slopes toward the foundation, rainwater can collect against the home, causing moisture problems.
Downspout Extensions Are Neglected
A downspout that releases water right beside your foundation can saturate the soil in that area. Adding an extension that carries water several feet away from the house can help keep excess moisture away from the foundation.
Planting Trees Too Close to the House
Large trees need plenty of room for their roots, and planting them too close to a house can create problems as they grow. According to Rogue Tree Solutions, some trees should be planted at least 20 feet from the house to give their root systems enough space.
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Larger Root Systems Overlooked
Some plants develop large or deep root systems that can affect the soil around a foundation. Before planting them near your home, check how large the roots can get and how far they are likely to spread.
Wrong Types of Materials Used
The materials you use for patios, walkways, and garden beds can affect water movement and soil conditions around your home. Foundation Systems of Michigan notes that heavy concrete and materials that retain a lot of moisture can create additional problems near a foundation, so consider drainage before choosing materials.
