How to Plant Around Foundation for Water Drainage

Planting around the foundation of your home not only adds aesthetic value but also plays a crucial role in water drainage. Proper landscaping can help prevent water from seeping into the foundation, causing damage to your home. This article will offer some tips on how to plant around the foundation for water drainage.

Choose the Right Plants

When selecting plants to use around the foundation of your home, it is essential to choose ones that have deep roots and can withstand drought. Plants such as succulents and ornamental grasses are great options as they require minimal watering and their deep roots help with water drainage. Avoid using plants that require a lot of water, as they can cause soil saturation, leading to water seeping into the foundation of your home.

Install a Drainage System

A drainage system is an essential component when it comes to preventing water damage to your home's foundation. You can install a variety of drainage systems around your home, including surface drains, French drains, or channel drains. Surface drains are an excellent option for getting rid of standing water, while French drains are ideal for heavy rainfall. Channel drains help direct water away from your home and into nearby storm drains. Whichever drainage system you choose, ensure that it is installed by a professional to avoid complications.

Grade Your Yard

Grading your yard is another effective technique to prevent water from seeping into your foundation. In this process, the soil is sloped away from the foundation, allowing water to drain downhill. You can achieve this by adding soil around the foundation and tapering it outwards, or you can install a berm, which is a small hill made of soil, rocks, or plants. Also, ensure that your gutters and downspouts are well-maintained, as they help direct rainwater away from your home.

Use Mulch

Mulch is a versatile material used for different purposes in landscaping. Using mulch around the foundation of your home can help with water drainage. It helps retain moisture in the soil, which can prevent soil saturation and water seeping into the foundation. Mulch also prevents soil erosion, which can expose the foundation and cause damage. Choose a lightweight mulch such as pine straw, as it does not compact easily and allows water to pass through easily.

Conclusion

Planting around the foundation of your home is an excellent way to add beauty to your landscape while also playing a vital role in preventing water damage. When planting, ensure that you choose the right plants, install a drainage system, grade your yard and use mulch. By following these tips, you can ensure that your home is adequately protected from water damage.