How Landscaping Affects Your Crawl Space

Your crawl space can remain dry and trouble-free when you spend some time maintaining the property. Both basements and crawl spaces easily attract moisture from the surrounding soil. Foundation problems can contribute to collection of water on your property, as well. Homeowners must properly care for their landscaping to prevent moisture damage to the crawl space and home. Think about proper drainage, placement of trees, and the climate in your area. Timely foundation repairs can also prevent severe problems. Set up the landscaping properly to protect the health and structure of your home. 

Drainage

The slope of a yard on a new property should slant away from the house. This grading allows water to move away from the home when you water plants or during rain storms. As the foundation settles on your home, this slope may deteriorate in some areas, causing standing water in, or near, your crawl space. Consider an enhanced drain system, such as a french drain, to help keep your crawl space dry. Call for crawl space repairs in Winston Salem if you notice standing water in your crawl space. 

Trees

To avoid foundation damage from tree roots, plant trees at least 15 feet from your house. Unfortunately, if you move into an established property, you may not have control over this preventative step. You can have the foundation assessed to find out if you need to have trees removed to prevent damage. A professional can tell you more about the size of your tree and the location of roots. Roots can disrupt the soil and move under your house.

Condition of the Soil

You can help control the condition of your soil by watering your yard properly. When soil remains too wet or dry, it can allow the foundation of your house to shift. Learn about the plants on your property so you know how much water they need. A large tree may take a lot of the water out of your soil, for example, leaving it too dry. Some flowers and vines prefer a dry climate, and may not use much water, as well. Sprinkler systems with timers help many homeowners keep the soil healthy. 

Climate

The climate in your area can affect the health of your landscaping. Your geographical location may have frequent droughts or rain, for example. Some air remains dry, while other areas suffer from constant humidity. You may need to adjust the watering of your yard for different times of the year to keep the yard in optimal condition. You can also plant flowers and trees native to your area. Native plants require less maintenance. If you live in a warm area with high humidity, you may also consider encapsulating the crawl space to keep moisture out. 

Foundation Repairs

If you notice damage to the home from a foundation problem, a quick repair remains the best solution. If you notice cracks in the home or outside, get an inspection before the damage becomes severe. You can prevent damage to the crawl space by calling for help as soon as you notice standing water on your property.

If you have the luxury of building a new home, consult with a foundation or landscaping specialist to prepare your yard properly. When you space the trees well and have compatible plants, you can expect easier yard maintenance. Set up your landscaping with a proper slope and a drainage system to protect your foundation and crawl space, as well.Before purchasing an established home, have the landscaping evaluated and updated. With good planning you can have both a beautiful yard, and a dry crawl space.