Landscaping adds a natural beauty to the home, but in truth, there is much more to it than that. Yards that are thoughtfully planned out and cared for carry important benefits. Properly maintained landscaping helps to keep water away from the home and aide in preventing possible water damage from burst pipes and flooding. Summertime is an important time of year to make improvements, do repairs, and to check for potential problem areas.
Trim & Remove
Trees, shrubs, and bushes should be trimmed so growth is away from your home. Also trim any tree limbs that are low hanging, close to power lines, or hitting your roof. As always, remember safety first, and be sure to use a professional service for jobs that may be dangerous or out of reach.
Do a perimeter walk around your property to check for tree and plant root growth that may be affecting piping and sewage lines. Look over any exposed pipes for wear and tear. If there is heavy damage, replace as soon as possible.
Direct Water Away from the Home
Whenever possible you want to divert water away from your home, especially if you have a basement. Water can easily seep inside walls and even cause foundational damage over time.
Signs of water buildup should never go ignored. If you notice pools of water, or if you’ve had basement flooding, then you may have a drainage issue.
There are a lot of options to improve drainage including the use of downspouts, use of heavier mulch, use of native grass and plants, creating a rain garden, or digging small indentions to divert water.
Be Smart with Plant Placement
Limbs, branches, and roots too close to a home can cause future structural damage to roofs, gutters,foundations, and siding. When planting new trees and shrubs it’s important to consider placement carefully. Be sure to account for future growth of the plants.
Be Careful with Mulch
Mulch can be a great addition to any yard. It helps hold in moisture to keep plants thriving. However, if mulch is used too close to your home, rot and structural damage from water can become an issue. Keep a barrier of at least 6 inches between house walls and landscaping.
Avoid Pipes
This is a pretty straight forward tip. With landscaping it is always important to minimize planting near pipes. If you’re having trouble, consider calling a professional who may be able to help.
Smart landscaping can go a long way in preventing water damage. Doing necessary repairs and improvements can be both beautiful and beneficial.
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