Use of Rocks for Plants and Soil Near Foundation
#1
08-16-15, 11:22 AM
Use of Rocks for Plants and Soil Near Foundation
Recently had home inspection for new home purchase. Inspector pointed out high soil and vegetation near home and recommended removal. I am working on removing plants and putting a small rock layer between the wrap around garden and the outside brick wall. I used about 6 inches of lava rocks. Picture attached.
I'm curious if the rocks will actually help with pest control/water or if I am maybe wasting my time. Maybe more rocks? Smaller rocks? Also, I am wondering if I may be messing up the drainage away from my wall. Any thoughts are very much appreciated.
I'm curious if the rocks will actually help with pest control/water or if I am maybe wasting my time. Maybe more rocks? Smaller rocks? Also, I am wondering if I may be messing up the drainage away from my wall. Any thoughts are very much appreciated.
#2
08-16-15, 02:07 PM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums!
I'm not really sure why the inspector would note that on your house. Your home is brick so it is not as susceptible to pests like termites. However, I can understand perhaps he was concerned with the brick wicking moisture from the ground. On the other hand, you want the grade to slop away from the house for good drainage.
The rock you have looks like a mistake more then anything. If you are going to add rock you should add 24" out or so to make it look like a planed landscape. Perhaps add a couple of small shrubs. If you are selling this would also add some curb appeal.
I'm not really sure why the inspector would note that on your house. Your home is brick so it is not as susceptible to pests like termites. However, I can understand perhaps he was concerned with the brick wicking moisture from the ground. On the other hand, you want the grade to slop away from the house for good drainage.
The rock you have looks like a mistake more then anything. If you are going to add rock you should add 24" out or so to make it look like a planed landscape. Perhaps add a couple of small shrubs. If you are selling this would also add some curb appeal.
#3
08-16-15, 02:22 PM
Super Moderator
FWIW, my house is brick and the front half is in the ground, with dirt and grass coming right up to and against the house. I have bushes in front. No problems with water. Sometimes outside bugs do get in, but nothing dramatic.
#4
08-16-15, 02:45 PM
Thanks so much for the replies so far! This is not finished product; I'm going to add in some new bushes in front of the rocks. I was just curious if the rock line and pulling the soil away from the brick would really accomplish anything or was worth continuing - especially in Houston in August.
I'm glad to hear that it seems like the high soil is not as big of a deal as I was led to believe.
I'm glad to hear that it seems like the high soil is not as big of a deal as I was led to believe.
#5
08-16-15, 03:08 PM
i'd do nothing as long as the ground slopes AWAY from your very fine home,,, lava rock's liteweight - perhaps a mower might throw a piece ?
pro mtls + tools + methods + knowledge + skills = pro results
pro mtls + tools + methods + knowledge + skills = pro results
Last edited by stadry; 08-16-15 at 03:32 PM.
#6
08-16-15, 03:11 PM
Group Moderator
You may have a water or damp proofing applied to the underground part of your brick. Adding dirt and landscaping above that could cause moisture or water issues but that's a long shot at best.
I have learned to take what many home inspectors with a grain of salt. Sometimes noting nit-picky little things that are easy to catch while missing major issues that require getting dirty and crawling deep into the crawl space.
I have learned to take what many home inspectors with a grain of salt. Sometimes noting nit-picky little things that are easy to catch while missing major issues that require getting dirty and crawling deep into the crawl space.
#7
08-16-15, 03:13 PM
Member
What you have done is going to do nothing to address any insect or water issues.
Gutters and a slope away from the house will do far more.
Gutters and a slope away from the house will do far more.
#8
08-17-15, 06:28 AM
Super Moderator
OK, I must have had a duh moment yesterday. 
Sorry. 
Looking at the front of my house, behind the bushes, and there's actually a cement wall, a couple feet high, under the bricks. So while the dirt and grass do go up to the house, the cement blocks everything.
Sorry. 
Looking at the front of my house, behind the bushes, and there's actually a cement wall, a couple feet high, under the bricks. So while the dirt and grass do go up to the house, the cement blocks everything.
