Does plants keep water away from foundation?

Many homeowners may wonder whether planting trees, shrubs, and other plants around their homes can help keep water away from the foundation. The answer is not a straightforward yes or no. While plants can help absorb some water and prevent erosion, they can also contribute to moisture problems and potentially damage the foundation if not properly maintained.

Planting around a foundation

Planting around the foundation is a common practice to enhance the curb appeal of homes. However, when planting around a foundation, it is important to consider the distance between the plants and the foundation. In general, the distance should be at least the height of the plant at maturity. This is because plants can spread their roots and moisture can accumulate in the soil around the foundation, leading to issues such as foundation cracking and water intrusion.

The benefits of plants on water management around foundation

Having plants around the home can be beneficial in managing water issues. Certain plants like trees and shrubs can absorb large amounts of water and put it back into the atmosphere via transpiration. This means that planting trees or shrubs further away from the home can help alleviate moisture issues around the foundation. Additionally, plants and trees can also help prevent soil erosion, which can lead to foundation damage.

The risks of having plants around foundation

While plants and trees can be helpful in managing water, they can also contribute to water-related problems if not properly maintained. For example, if plants are too close to the foundation, their roots can grow into the foundation and cause damage. Additionally, plants that require a lot of water to thrive can lead to soil saturation, which can lead to water intrusion into the foundation. This can cause significant and costly damage to the home, including mold growth and structural issues.

Maintenance is key

To ensure that plants around the foundation do not contribute to moisture problems or damage the home, proper maintenance is crucial. Regular pruning to maintain appropriate distances, monitoring for invasive roots or leaf debris, consistent watering, and soil maintenance can help ensure that the plants around the foundation are beneficial rather than detrimental. Additionally, consulting with a landscaping professional can help provide guidance on the best plants to use and the proper distance to maintain.

In conclusion

Plants and trees around the home can have both positives and negatives regarding water management around the foundation. They can help absorb excess water and prevent soil erosion, but can also contribute to moisture problems and foundation damage if not properly maintained. It is important to choose plants wisely and maintain them to ensure that they do not cause issues down the line. Consulting with a landscaping professional can help provide guidance and ensure that planting around the foundation is done safely and effectively.