Protect Your Home’s Foundation with Smart Summer Landscaping
In North Carolina, summer brings lush greenery — but it can also bring foundation challenges if landscaping isn’t properly managed. The way you care for your yard plays a critical role in protecting your home’s stability. With a few smart landscaping strategies, you can prevent costly foundation problems before they start.
Here are essential summer landscaping tips to help protect your home’s foundation.
1. Ensure Proper Grading Around Your Home
The ground surrounding your foundation should slope away from your house, not toward it. Proper grading ensures rainwater drains away, preventing it from pooling next to your foundation where it can cause erosion and cracks.
Tip: Check that the soil slopes downward at least six inches over 10 feet away from your foundation.
2. Choose Plants with Non-Invasive Root Systems
While trees and shrubs add beauty and shade, some species have aggressive root systems that can damage your foundation by drying out soil or even cracking through concrete.
Tip: Plant trees at least 15–20 feet away from your home. Choose shrubs and groundcover with shallow, non-invasive roots.
3. Mulch Carefully
Mulch helps soil retain moisture, but if it’s piled too high against your home, it can trap moisture against the foundation, leading to issues like mold, mildew, or concrete damage.
Tip: Keep mulch at least six inches away from your foundation walls and limit mulch depth to two or three inches.
4. Install a Reliable Drainage System
If you notice standing water near your foundation after heavy rains, it’s time to consider drainage solutions like French drains or extending downspouts further from your home.
Tip: Ensure your gutters are clean and direct water at least five feet away from your house.
5. Regularly Inspect for Signs of Foundation Trouble
Take a few minutes each month to walk around your home and look for signs of foundation movement, like small cracks, water pooling, or gaps around doors and windows.
Tip: Early detection can save you significant repair costs!
Protect Your Investment This Summer
Good landscaping isn’t just about curb appeal — it’s vital to the long-term health of your foundation. By taking these preventive steps, you can avoid major structural repairs and keep your home safe and stable for years to come.
If you spot any early signs of foundation damage, RhinoLift Foundation Solutions is here to help.
📞 Contact us today for a free inspection and expert solutions tailored to your home!
