Will Foundation Repair Destroy My Landscaping?

Many North Texas homeowners recognize the signs of a settling foundation. However, some hesitate to take action, fearing the process will destroy their landscape. This will hurt the curb appeal they have invested so much in to make their property an eye-turner. The truth is that foundation repair will have some impact on your landscape. There is simply no way around this especially if the work requires excavation. The question is the degree of impact.

As a proud homeowner, you have put a lot of time and energy into maintaining the landscaping. As a result, you naturally want to minimize any damage to it during repairs to the foundation–which is crucial to maintaining the integrity of your home. While being concerned about your landscaping is understandable, structural damage cannot be ignored. However, the good news is that Align Foundation will make every effort to minimize disturbances to your property when addressing significant issues.

What to Expect During Foundation Repair

Keep in mind that there are different levels of foundation damage. When the damage is relatively minor, the impact on your landscaping will be negligible. However, more serious foundation issues may require more substantial work, including excavation.

Your repair specialist will evaluate your property and provide specific details on the type of service you need. In many instances, your home will undergo one of the following repairs:

• Steel Piling – By implanting a steel pier, the weight of your home can be shifted to it instead of resting on soil that may fail to provide the proper support. This option is reserved for significant foundation damage and offers a long-lasting solution thanks to the strength and durability of steel.
• Concrete Pressed Pier – Concrete pressed piers are installed underneath structures using hydraulic equipment. Like steel piers, the structure’s weight is transferred to the concrete to prevent the foundation from sagging.
• Drilled Pier – Drilled piers require excavating a larger hole, which is then filled with a concrete & reserved reinforced steel. This system is ideal for older structures or where space is plentiful and landscape damage is no concern.

How Repair Specialists Minimize Damage to Landscaping

If your foundation requires more extensive services, the goal is to minimize disturbing your trees, shrubs, and flower beds. While methods can vary according to the type of work needed, the technician may utilize one or more of the following:

• Removal – With smaller trees and shrubs, the technician can typically remove them and place them in a safe area until work is completed. However, we cannot guarantee survival.
• Relocation – As for flowers and other types of plants, these typically need to be temporarily relocated. Homeowners can remove them before work begins to ensure the technicians have an uncluttered area.
• Protection – Regarding your lawn, repair specialists can use plywood to prevent it from being trampled.

The Surprising Benefits of Tree Relocation and Removal

Align does not generally recommend tree removal unless it is a major problem. However, removing large trees can benefit your home in the long run, if they are close to your house. The closer a tree is to a house, the more likely the root system will harm the foundation. For example, tree roots can exert stress on concrete and contribute to cracks, which will only worsen over time.

That’s why contractors recommend trees be located at a specific distance to avoid these issues. You can determine this by calculating the size of the tree’s canopy (meaning its leaves and branches) when it reaches full maturity and planting it half that distance from the foundation. For example, a tree that’s expected to have a canopy 40 feet wide should be planted at least 20 feet from a home’s foundation.

Foundation Repairs Don’t Always Disturb the Landscape

There are some instances where your landscape will be mostly unaffected. If you detect damage early on, the foundation may simply have settled or sloped by an inch or two. If you need only minor work, affect is minimal.

What Factors Will Affect Changes to the Landscape?

If damage is severe enough, it may require concrete or steel piers and beams. These need to be installed below the foundation. Naturally, this requires digging. The extent to which this will affect the landscape depends on multiple factors, such as:

• The degree of concrete damage
• The size of your property
• Physical obstructions like tree roots

As a general rule, the excavation work will require a minimum working space of 4-feet beyond the foundation’s perimeter. Anything inside the boundary can get disturbed. Beyond the digging, an area will need to be allotted for displacing the soil from the excavation. Existing foliage may have to be removed to create room for the work to be done.

How to Restore the Landscape

After determining the appropriate remediation steps, the technician will assess ways to keep landscape disruption to a minimum.
Keep in mind that if you have trees or shrubs that fall within the working space, they may have to be uprooted and moved. We must stress though, that this is actually beneficial. A tree that close to your home poses a risk to your foundation. The roots can extend and shift the soil below the foundation, causing shifting that can crack or split the concrete.

Your Landscaping Is in Good Hands With Our Team at Align Foundation

Foundation repair is essential, and a knowledgeable and skilled contractor will leave your home in excellent condition when the project is complete. Contact Align Foundation Repair to learn more about our services and the steps we take to preserve landscaping.