Vegetation Around Your Home

Do not allow your home to be hidden by vegetation

Trim all tree branches, shrubs and vines periodically, so the branches do not touch or come close to your house siding or roof surface. You want to allow the sun access to your home to allow it to dry out those moist areas so wood boring insects do not become attracted to the wet wood if it's hidden with vegetation. Tree branches and vines also provide wood boring insects an easy path to your home. Wood boring insects also thrive on dead wood that may be lying around your property. So, remove any tree stumps and dead trees that are within 50 feet of your foundation and store all firewood off the ground (on racks or shelving) away from your home.

At the same time that your preventing wood boring insects from infesting your home, you'll want a safe home. Don't allow your shrubs and trees to provide cover. Cut back all tall shrubbery near your doorways and walkways as well as any plantings that block any windows. Try to keep all your plantings trimmed to a height of 3 feet or less. Also, trim any trees or shrubs that block the view to your neighbor's homes. Privacy issues aside, you'll want your neighbors to have a clear view of your home's doors and windows. You may be asking yourself...Why would I want my neighbors to see my home?

When and while your away, any strange activity that may be going on inside or around your home can be clearly observed by your neighbors. Curtains and shades are designed for privacy...not shrubs.

THIS IS WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO AVOID

vegetation around your house

Share:

Here is what my clients have to say about my home inspection services:

Press F5 (on your keyboard) for additional testimonials

Hi Dave,

I just wanted to write and thank you very much for doing our inspection today. You really took an awful lot of extra time to explain things to us. It was a huge help and by far my favorite part of this whole home-buying process. In addition to drawing our attention to the major projects that need to be undertaken right away or in the near future, I was glad that you were also so thorough as to point out smaller things and provide suggestions for fixes that we'd be able to do ourselves. Thanks again for all your effort. I'm finding your "Know Your Home" book a great source of information along with your report. I'll no doubt have some questions for you at some point and really appreciate your willingness to answer them. Have a great rest of your weekend!

Take care,

Sean