Foundation Landscaping Tips In Alabama And Tennessee
Landscaping your yard isn’t just about creating a beautiful outdoor space — it plays a crucial role in protecting your home’s foundation. The Crack Guys understands the importance of smart landscaping choices to prevent potential structural damage. We cover the following landscaping tips for a secure understructure:
- Adding grass and low-lying plants near your foundation
- Using water-absorbing materials near your home
- Controlling runoff by grading soil and installing retaining walls
- Keeping trees and shrubs from growing too close to your home
- Installing drainage systems for water management
Poor landscaping can lead to water pooling around your home, soil erosion and cracks in your foundation. By making simple landscaping adjustments, you can protect your property from these structural hazards.
1. Absorb Water Around Foundation Using Grass And Plants
Planting grass or low-lying plants near your foundation can help absorb excess moisture. This process reduces the amount of water that pools around your home. Avoid planting trees too close to your home’s foundation, as their roots can cause significant damage over time.
Foundation Plants That Absorb Water
In areas like Tennessee and Alabama, heavy rainfall is a common occurrence. Knowing what to plant around your house foundation can help absorb excess moisture, reducing the potential for water damage. Here are some plants that can thrive in the Southern climate and help protect your home from water-related structural issues:
- Creeping Jenny
- Pennyroyal
- Blue Flag Iris
- Black-Eyed Susan
- Daylilies
- Primrose
2. Use Water-Absorbing Materials Near Your Foundation
Using materials like mulch, pebbles or gravel can keep the soil around your house dry. They can also limit moisture buildup near the base of your property’s walls. Large stones like river rocks can also direct runoff from the edges of your foundation and ensure water doesn’t pool against it. Consider investing in foundation plants that absorb water for additional water management.
3. Control Runoff: Install Retaining Walls And Grade Your Lawn
Do you have a property located in a hilly area, such as northern Alabama or Middle Tennessee? If so, consider installing retaining walls to better control runoff from higher ground. These walls will prevent erosion and support large trees or shrubs planted nearby by keeping them in place during storms with heavy winds and rain.
Additionally, make sure that the soil surrounding your home slopes away from the foundation. This slope ensures rainwater is directed away from your home instead of toward it. If you notice water pooling near the edges of your house’s walls, use dirt to level out any low spots.
4. Keep Trees And Shrubs Away From Your Foundation
While trees and shrubs add beauty to your yard, their roots can pose a serious threat to your foundation. Tree roots can grow into the foundation and cause it to crack or shift. Additionally, trees with large canopies can absorb a lot of water, leading to soil shrinkage around your foundation. It’s best to keep trees and shrubs at least 10 feet away from your foundation and trim roots growing too close to the base of your property.
Can You Have Grass Right Up To Your Foundation?
Having grass right against your house foundation isn’t necessarily bad, but it can pose risks if not managed properly. Grass can retain moisture, which may seep into the soil and affect your property, potentially leading to cracks or shifts. To protect your home, ensure proper drainage and consider adding a mulch or gravel barrier to keep moisture away.
How Far Should Grass Be From A House?
Grass should be kept at least 6-12 inches away from your house to prevent moisture buildup near its base. This distance helps reduce the risk of water seeping into the soil and causing structural issues.
5. Install Drainage Systems To Protect Your Foundation
Standing water can do a lot of damage to your foundation. A well-drained yard is key to keeping water away from your foundation. Install downspouts that direct water away from the foundation. French drains are also useful in areas where water tends to collect, channeling excess moisture away from your home.
By managing the flow of water around your property, you can minimize the risk of house settling and cracking caused by excess moisture.
Maintain Structural Safety With The Crack Guys
Well-maintained landscaping around your home is essential to maintaining its long-term structural integrity. An adequate layout prevents potential damage caused by water erosion or shifting soil conditions. The last thing you want is to call a company for an unlevel floor repair because of a foundation problem.
The Crack Guys are here to help protect your home and its foundation. For more information on grading tips or assistance installing basement sump pumps or outdoor drainage systems, contact our team!
