How Landscaping Can Impact Your Home Inspection (and What to Watch Out For)
When you think of a home inspection, you probably picture the inspector checking your roof, plumbing, or electrical panel—not your flower beds or trees. But here’s the truth: landscaping can affect your home inspection more than you think.
We’ve seen beautiful landscaping hide serious issues. Here’s what homeowners, buyers, and sellers need to know.
Grading and Drainage Are a Big Deal
If your landscaping slopes toward the house instead of away from it, rainwater can pool around the foundation. This can lead to:
- Moisture intrusion in the slab or crawlspace
- Mold or mildew under flooring
- Foundation settlement over time
IRRIGATION SYSTEMS CAN LEAK SILENTLY
Many Florida homes have sprinkler systems — but not all are well maintained. Leaking underground lines or heads that spray directly on the house can cause rot, pest intrusion, and long-term water damage.
We inspect visible components and often find signs of improper or excessive water flow near foundations, walkways, or stucco walls.
TREE ROOTS CAN WREACK HAVOC
Large trees planted too close to the house may cause:
- Cracked driveways or walkways
- Uplifted pavers or patios
- Damage to underground plumbing or sewer lines
Roots can also create hidden tripping hazards—something we flag often in exterior walk-throughs.
OVERGROWTH BLOCKS CRITICAL ACCESS
When shrubs or hedges grow too close to the home, they can:
- Hide damage to stucco, siding, or vents
- Make it harder for inspectors to access the AC unit, hose bibs, or utility meters
- Provide shelter for pests
Keeping landscaping trimmed back makes inspectors more thorough and helps you protect your home.
Mulch and Moisture Don’t Mix
It’s common to see mulch piled high around the home’s perimeter. But if it’s too thick or too close to siding, it can trap moisture and invite wood-destroying organisms (hello, termites).
Inspectors will note this and buyers might see it as a red flag.
Curb Appeal Matters, But Function Comes First
Landscaping can absolutely enhance a property’s value—but it shouldn’t come at the cost of proper drainage, access, or structural health. When we inspect homes, we always look beyond the surface—literally.
Ready for a detailed inspection that covers it all from roots to roof? Contact us to today to schedule!
