Walsh is offering a FREE professional-grade dehumidifier + install with eligible crawlspace projects! Call today!

🌱 How Spring Landscaping Could Be Harming Your Foundation (Without You Even Knowing It)

Every spring, North Carolina and South Carolina homeowners head outside to mulch, plant, and freshen up their yards. But what many don’t realize is that spring landscaping foundation damage is a real threat—especially when water runoff, roots, and poor grading go unchecked.

That new flower bed? It might be trapping water against your foundation. Those freshly planted shrubs? Their roots could grow right into your crawlspace wall.

Landscaping is a great way to add beauty and value to your home—but if it’s not done carefully, it can lead to major crawlspace and structural issues down the line.


💧 1. Poor Grading Sends Water Toward Your Crawlspace

One of the most common (and overlooked) landscaping issues we see every spring is improper yard grading. Over time, as soil shifts or new landscaping is installed, your yard might begin to slope toward your foundation instead of away from it.

Why it matters:

  • Rainwater and sprinkler runoff collect along your foundation walls
  • Water can seep into your crawlspace or basement
  • Standing water leads to high humidity, mold growth, and even wood rot

Pro Tip: The ground should always slope away from your home at a minimum of 6 inches over the first 10 feet.


🌳 2. Trees & Shrubs = Root Problems Waiting to Happen

We get it—trees add shade and charm. But planting them too close to your house can spell disaster. Tree and shrub roots will naturally chase moisture, and in doing so, they may burrow under or alongside your foundation.

What can happen:

  • Roots can push against foundation walls, causing cracks
  • They may lift concrete slabs or pier supports
  • Roots disturb the soil’s natural compaction, leading to settlement issues

Stay Safe Rule: Always plant trees at least 15–20 feet away from your home. For larger trees like oaks or maples, double that.


🧱 3. Landscaping Timbers, Edging & Retaining Walls Can Trap Moisture

Landscape edging is great for defining flower beds or walkways—but when installed too close to your home, it can act like a moisture dam.

Red Flags:

  • Beds or retaining walls higher than the foundation line
  • Edging that prevents water from draining away
  • Mulch piled up against your siding or crawlspace vents

Mulch Alert: Never stack mulch more than 2–3 inches high, and always keep it at least 6 inches away from siding or vents.


🕳️ 4. Blocked or Redirected Drainage

Spring cleaning often includes planting, paving, and mulching. But we’ve seen plenty of cases where landscaping projects unintentionally block existing drainage systems—or worse, redirect water right into the crawlspace.

What to look for:

  • Downspouts draining into flower beds
  • French drains covered with new sod or stone
  • Grading changes from new patios or hardscaping

Before you landscape, know exactly where your drains and water flow paths are—and make sure they stay clear.


🛠️ 5. How to Protect Your Foundation While You Beautify Your Yard

Good landscaping and good drainage go hand-in-hand when it comes to protecting your crawlspace and structural integrity.

Here’s how to keep your home safe:

  • Keep all landscaping features below your crawlspace vent line
  • Install downspout extensions that carry water at least 6 feet away
  • Maintain proper grading and avoid building beds right up to the house
  • Call Walsh for a drainage assessment if you’re unsure about water flow

🧰 Spring Is the Best Time for a Crawlspace Inspection

Before your landscaping leads to unintended foundation damage, let us take a look. Spring is the perfect season to assess:

  • Drainage conditions
  • Soil settling
  • Foundation cracks
  • Crawlspace moisture or mold growth

A 30-minute visit today could prevent thousands in repairs down the road.


🎁 Limited-Time Offer: Free Dehumidifier + Installation

To help protect your crawlspace this spring, we’re offering a FREE dehumidifier and professional installation with every full encapsulation system over 12000$ USD.

✅ Prevent mold
✅ Control moisture
✅ Improve air quality

👉 Offer valid through April 30th. Schedule now before slots fill up!


📞 Schedule Your FREE Crawlspace Inspection Today

Your landscaping should enhance your home—not put it at risk. Whether you’re planting, paving, or just prepping your yard, make sure your crawlspace is protected from the ground up.

📍 Serving Charlotte, Fort Mill, Greensboro, Rock Hill & surrounding NC/SC areas
📅 Book online or call us now at 704-302-7715

Don't Let Leaks Weaken Your Home's Foundation

Contact us today to schedule a free inspection.
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