Landscaping Tips to Prevent Bowed Basement Walls, Trenton, NJ
Who doesn’t want to have their own private oasis? We invest thousands of dollars in our landscaping. We take the time and are 
willing to spend money on creating a landscape that is beautiful and functional. We spend even more time and money to maintain this beautiful landscape. However, many of us don’t take the time to consider how our landscapes affect our foundations.
The soil around your foundation has a big impact on the state of your foundation. The significant expansion of soils around the foundation and the retention of excess moisture are the main causes of bowed basement walls. With this knowledge, you can take steps to improve your landscape while protecting your foundation.
How to Protect Your Foundation
In order to prevent bowed basement walls, it is important to pay attention to the behavior of the soil around the foundation. Your goal should be to prevent pressure from building up against the foundation walls and causing bowing. There are several ways you can do this using landscaping.
- Leave some of your foundation exposed
Yes. It can be tempting to want to have your foundation completely hidden away. However, it is important to leave the foundation wall partly exposed. This will allow you to inspect the wall from the outside for damage. You will be better able to take action to prevent extensive damage to your foundation if you can pick up on signs of damage early. Leave about 5 inches of your foundation exposed for regular visual inspections.
- Keep drains and outlets clear
Be careful about where you position your plants and shrubs. Avoid positioning them in the form of drains and outlets. Covering drains 
and outlets will restrict the movement of water. It will prevent the water from draining out into the yard and may cause it to pool near the foundation.
- Slope hardscapes away from the foundation
Are you having a hardscape such as a walkway installed? These are often paths for runoff when it rains or when snow melts. Ensure that hardscapes are sloped in a way that guides water away from the foundation. This will prevent water from accumulating around the foundation resulting in bowed basement walls.
- Install surface drainage
Installing surface drainage in your yard is a great way to prevent water from pooling in your yard and creating a swamp. It is also an effective way to prevent the soils from absorbing and retaining too much water. It will help to prevent damage to your foundation.
Use the landscaping tips above to protect your foundation.