Thinking about what to plant next to your house foundation? Making the right choices can boost your home’s curb appeal and keep your foundation safe. Did you know that planting the wrong type of plant could actually cause structural damage on your home? As foundation experts for Vancouver, BC, we can give you a good idea of what plants are safe to plant near your home’s foundation.
Here’s an easy guide to help you pick the perfect plants.

What to Keep in Mind

1. Roots

  • Friendly Roots: Go for plants with shallow, non-invasive roots. Steer clear of big trees and shrubs with roots that might mess with your foundation.
  • Examples: Dwarf shrubs and groundcovers are perfect because their roots stay put.

2. Size and Growth

  • Full Size: Think about how big the plant will get. You don’t want it to outgrow the space and begin growing into your foundation.
  • Easy to Manage: Pick plants you can easily prune to keep them in check.

3. Water Needs

  • Watering: Match plants to the soil moisture around your foundation. Too much water can cause issues, and too little can stress the plants.
  • Good Drainage: Make sure water drains away from your foundation to avoid problems.

4. Sunlight and Climate

  • Sun or Shade: Check how much sunlight the area gets. Some plants love the sun, while others prefer the shade.
  • Climate: Choose plants that thrive in your local climate to keep things low-maintenance.

Best Plants for Near Your Foundation

Ornamental Grasses

  • Fountain Grass (Pennisetum): Low-maintenance and adds a nice, soft look.
  • Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca): Compact with blue-green foliage, it’s great for edges.
shrubs foundation friendly

Shrubs

  • Boxwood (Buxus): This shrub is evergreen, has dense foliage, and is easy to shape.
  • Azalea (Rhododendron spp.): These offer gorgeous blooms and have roots that won’t cause trouble. They like partial shade.

Groundcovers

  • Hosta: Perfect for shady spots, hostas are lush and easy to care for.
  • Creeping Jenny: This groundcover loves moist, well-drained soil and adds a pop of green or gold.

Perennials

  • Daylilies (Hemerocallis): These tough perennials have minimal root invasion and bloom beautifully in summer.
  • Coral Bells (Heuchera): With striking leaves and delicate flowers, coral bells add color and texture.

Planting Near Your Foundation Tips

Prep the Soil

  • Enrich the Soil: Mix in some organic matter to improve drainage and nutrients.
  • Test It: A soil test will help you know its pH and nutrient levels.

Planting Distance

  • Give Space: Plant shrubs and perennials at least 2-3 feet from the foundation for growth and airflow.
  • Root Barriers: Use a root barrier if needed to keep roots from creeping toward the foundation.

Maintenance

  • Prune Regularly: Keep your plants trimmed to prevent overgrowth.
  • Mulch: Mulch helps retain moisture, keep soil cool, and reduce weeds.

Wrapping Up

Picking the right plants for next to your house foundation can make a big difference in your home’s look and feel. And knowing what to plant next to a house foundation can save you from potential structural damage! With plants that have friendly roots, the right size, and easy care, you can create a beautiful, worry-free landscape. Happy planting!