Spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into your yard. Homeowners across the country start planting flowers, vegetables, and shrubs as the weather warms. While spring gardens add beauty and value to your home, they can also create hidden issues if not properly planned.
As a home inspector, I’ve seen how the wrong landscaping can lead to serious problems. This guide will walk you through the safe way to enjoy your garden while protecting your home.
Spring gardens can affect your home
You may not think planting a few flowers could impact your home, but it absolutely can. Your spring gardens influence drainage, soil moisture, and even pest activity. If you plant too close to the foundation, water can pool around your home and lead to mold, rot, or even foundation cracks. Overgrown bushes or climbing vines can also cause damage to siding or shingles.
Every year, we inspect homes with preventable issues caused by poorly maintained gardens. With just a little planning, you can keep your home safe while still enjoying all the benefits of gardening.
Plan smart when planting near your home
Let’s look at a few things you should keep in mind when creating your spring gardens:
Choose your location wisely
- Always keep garden beds at least 18 to 24 inches away from the home’s foundation to prevent water from seeping into the structure and causing long-term damage to the basement or crawlspace.
- Avoid planting directly under roof overhangs where rainwater runoff can cause heavy soil erosion and potentially splash mud and water against your siding, leading to mold or staining.
- Do not install garden beds near outdoor air conditioning units, utility boxes, or crawlspace vents, as plant overgrowth can block access, reduce efficiency, and invite insects or rodents.
Think about drainage
- Grade the soil so that water naturally flows away from the house instead of collecting near the foundation, which can weaken structural materials over time.
- Raised beds should be placed far enough from the home so they don’t trap moisture against the wall or interfere with the natural flow of rainwater.
- Use borders like bricks or gravel channels to guide excess water into safe drainage zones away from the house’s perimeter.
Mulch with caution
- Apply only a light and even layer of mulch—typically two to three inches is enough—to keep soil moist and reduce weed growth without encouraging pest activity or rot.
- Never pile mulch directly against siding, wood trim, or porch supports, as this can hold in moisture and create a prime habitat for termites or mold to develop.
- Leave a 6-inch barrier between the mulch and the home’s base to allow for proper airflow and visibility during home inspections.
Spring gardens should enhance your space, not compromise your home. A little extra thought goes a long way.
Plants to avoid in your garden
Not all plants play nicely with homes. Some have roots or growth patterns that can do more harm than good. Avoid these plants when working on your spring gardens:
- Trees with aggressive root systems such as willow, poplar, and oak. These roots can damage underground plumbing, lift sidewalks, and even shift foundation slabs over time.
- Fast-growing climbing vines like English ivy or wisteria. These plants may look beautiful, but they can cling to siding, trap moisture, and damage brick mortar or wood over time.
- Shrubs that attract pests including boxwood and euonymus, which are known to draw aphids, mites, and even carpenter ants when not properly maintained.
- Dense or oversized bushes that grow too close to the home, trapping moisture and debris, which creates the perfect environment for mold and unwanted insects.
These types of plants can cause structural issues, attract termites, and even damage pipes. It’s best to choose varieties that are low maintenance and easy to manage.
Inspector-recommended plants for spring gardens
Now let’s talk about what works well. You want plants that thrive in your climate, help with pest control, and don’t overgrow their space. Here are some excellent choices:
- Lavender: This fragrant herb not only smells wonderful but also naturally deters mosquitoes, moths, and fleas. Plus, it adds a charming pop of color to garden borders or walkways.
- Marigolds: These bright flowers are beloved by gardeners because they help keep aphids, nematodes, and even mosquitoes away. They also bloom for a long time and require very little attention.
- Mint: A great addition for its culinary uses and its pest-repelling power. Mint discourages ants, flies, and mice—but keep it in a container or confined bed since it spreads quickly.
- Hostas: Ideal for shady areas, hostas are reliable, low-maintenance plants with attractive foliage. They are less likely to grow out of control or damage nearby structures.
- Native flowers: Native plants require less water, resist local pests, and adapt easily to seasonal changes. They promote healthy soil and provide food for birds and pollinators.
These plants add color, help keep bugs away, and require minimal care. Your spring gardens will look great and stay manageable.
Spring garden care protects your home too
Taking care of your spring gardens also helps you spot other issues early. Spring is the ideal time to walk around your home and check on a few key areas. Use this garden season as a chance to inspect and clean.
- Clean your gutters and remove debris: Flower petals, twigs, and leaves from nearby trees can quickly clog your gutters, leading to water overflow and damage to fascia boards or foundations.
- Inspect outdoor water sources: Turn on garden hoses and spigots to check for leaks, rust, or weak water pressure. This can help you catch a burst pipe or winter damage early.
- Look for signs of soil movement: Pooling water or soil that has pulled away from the foundation may indicate poor drainage or an issue with your gutter system.
- Examine wooden features: If your garden beds touch the porch, deck, or siding, check for signs of mold, warping, or wood rot from too much moisture.
- Store compost and debris away from the home: These piles can attract ants, rodents, and termites, especially if kept too close to wooden walls or vents.
Doing these small tasks now can prevent big problems later. You’re already outside with your hands in the dirt—just add a quick home check to your garden routine.
Why home inspectors pay attention to gardens
You might wonder why a home inspector even cares about your garden. The reason is simple. We’ve seen firsthand how poorly placed gardens can cause major damage. We’ve found termites living in mulch stacked against wooden siding. We’ve found basements leaking because flower beds were built too high. And we’ve seen tree roots crack sewer lines, causing major headaches.
Well-designed spring gardens can improve your home’s curb appeal and even increase its value. But if you don’t plan them correctly, they can work against you. We’re here to help you strike the perfect balance.
A few final thoughts before you dig in
Spring is all about new beginnings. Your garden can bring joy, peace, and pride in your home. Just be sure you plant with purpose. Pay attention to drainage, plant choice, and spacing. Use your spring gardens as an excuse to check up on your home’s exterior. Doing this gives you peace of mind and may even save you money in the long run.
Ready to get your home spring-ready? Let our team help you spot potential issues before they grow into costly repairs. Schedule a home inspection today to make sure your spring gardens and your home are in top shape. We’re here to help your home thrive, inside and out.