If you're not careful, plants and trees can damage your foundation, attract pests, or cause drainage problems. So, here are some tips to help you create a beautiful and functional landscape next to your home's foundation: It's best to keep all vegetation (flowers, shrubs, etc.) several feet away from the foundation.
Certain plants, especially those with deep root systems, can cause soil expansion and contraction as they absorb water and moisture. This constant movement can stress your foundation and lead to cracks or other forms of damage over time.
Small shrubs should be planted at least 2 feet from a house foundation, medium shrubs about 3 feet and tall shrubs 4 to 5 feet away. An 8-foot shrub next to a six foot shrub should be spaced about 7 feet apart. Spacing plants in hedges is another matter.
Planting up close to the house walls can encourage roots to get into your water pipes, foster plant diseases by reducing air circulation, or give rodents and termites a nesting place or ladder to your eaves.
You shouldn't plant anything within 18'' of your home's walls & foundation. It's not just for plant root damage, it's for bugs, mice, etc. prevention and to make sure you have visibility and access to that area of your house. Bushes right up next to your house are a roadway for rodents and insects to find a way inside.
This myth is one of the sillier ones, but it's based on genuine concern. The good news is that NO, you won't crack your foundation or otherwise damage it if you happen to overwater your hydrangeas. In fact, the flowers and shrubs you keep close to your home actually serve as a natural waterproofing barrier.
Plant the proper shrubs and plants around the foundation being sure to allow 2 feet from the house for small shrubs, 3 feet for medium shrubs and 4 feet for large shrubs which will greatly expand. Do not plant too close to the house or moisture will wick to the plants sometimes forcing water into the basement.
Some people worry that plants in the bedroom will cause carbon dioxide (CO2) poisoning, but this is an urban myth. It's true that when you turn off the light, the plant no longer has a source of energy, and so photosynthesis stops.
How far should your trees be from the side of your house? For a tree that can reach a height of 25 to 50 feet when it matures, you should plant it at least 15 to 20 feet away from your house. For those that grow at a maximum height of 25 feet, 10 feet away should be enough.
Most of the varieties in Endless Summer will reach 3-4′ wide at maturity. I would give them at last two feet away from the foundation. Or even a little more if you don't want them touching the house. Summer Crush is the most compact, so you can plant that one a little closer.
Water is the most common cause of foundation damage. It can lead to erosion, settlement, and structural damage over time. Signs of water damage include visible moisture on walls or floors, mold growth, and a musty odor in basements or crawlspaces.
Leave at least two feet of space between your foundation and the planting area. Watering plants directly against your foundation will cause moisture build-up, which can lead to mold, termites, and costly damage. Never direct water towards your home's foundation.
Houseplants emit water vapour during transpiration, an unavoidable part of photosynthesis, necessary for the plant's existence. This will contribute in a very small way to condensation in houses. I doubt they can avoid this contribution. '
Ensure Proper Drainage
The first step to ensuring your foundation is protected is to make sure you have good drainage. Your yard should slope at least 6 inches over a 10-foot span to keep water moving away from your foundation in the event of rain or moving water. Keep your gutters clean, too.
Avoid laying mulch and planting shrubs too close to your home – not just because plants will come into contact with and damage the siding, but because shrubs retain moisture. We recommend using landscaping rocks against your home and starting mulch 2-4 inches away from the home.
Keeping water away from your home is always a wise idea. If you have a basement, for example, proper drainage surrounding your home can help keep water from leaking into your basement and damaging your belongings.
Water in the soil around a home puts pressure on the foundation that can cause cracks, leaks, and structural damage.
If you're not careful, plants and trees can damage your foundation, attract pests, or cause drainage problems. So, here are some tips to help you create a beautiful and functional landscape next to your home's foundation: It's best to keep all vegetation (flowers, shrubs, etc.) several feet away from the foundation.
Where should you not plant hydrangeas? Hydrangeas should not be planted in USDA hardiness zones 1 and 2 as they won't be able to tolerate the colder climate. Hydrangeas also should not be planted under trees because there will be too much root competition and lack of sun for these plants to adequately thrive.
If you're growing hydrangeas, use coffee grounds to affect their color. Coffee grounds add extra acidity to the soil around hydrangeas. On a chemical level, this increased acidity makes it easier for the plant to absorb naturally occurring aluminum in the dirt. The effect is pretty blue clusters of flowers.