The Role of Landscaping in Basement Moisture Control

Your Yard Could Be Causing Your Wet Basement—Here’s What to Know

When you think about basement waterproofing, your first thoughts might be sump pumps, drainage systems, or interior sealants. But there’s another key player that often gets overlooked: your landscaping.

At A Better Choice, Inc., we know that protecting your basement from moisture starts above ground. Your yard’s design, slope, and plant choices can all impact how water behaves around your home. Here’s how landscaping plays a crucial role in basement moisture control—and what you can do to help.

1. Grading is Everything

The slope of your yard, also known as grading, determines where water flows during heavy rain or snowmelt. If your yard slopes toward your home instead of away from it, you’re inviting water right to your foundation.

Fix: Ensure your yard has a minimum slope of 6 inches over the first 10 feet away from your home. This helps direct water away from the foundation, reducing the risk of pooling and basement seepage.

2. Watch Your Mulch and Flower Beds

While mulch is great for keeping weeds down and soil moist, it can also retain too much water near your foundation. Likewise, raised flower beds too close to the home can trap moisture.

Fix: Keep mulch and plant beds at least 6–12 inches away from the foundation. Avoid piling mulch too high and make sure beds are properly graded.

3. Choose Plants with Purpose

Some plants have deep root systems that can help absorb excess water in your yard. Others may grow too aggressively and damage foundation walls or drainage pipes.

Fix: Choose native plants and grasses with moderate root systems that don’t grow too close to the house. Avoid planting large shrubs or trees near the foundation.

4. Gutter Extensions Matter

Even the best landscaping can't help if your gutters are dumping water right at your foundation.

Fix: Install gutter extensions or downspout diverters to direct water at least 4–6 feet away from the home.

5. French Drains & Swales Can Help

In problem areas where water tends to collect, a French drain or swale (shallow ditch) can redirect surface water away from your home.

Need help identifying landscape-related drainage issues?At A Better Choice, Inc., we specialize in keeping basements dry—inside and out. Schedule a free inspection and let our experts identify how your landscaping may be contributing to moisture problems.