When dealing with mold and mildew inside your home, the last thing you would probably consider as the culprit is the landscaping outside. However, according to celebrity contractor Mike Holmes, the problem may stem from plant placement and water flow around the house. On his Make It Right blog, Holmes explains that exterior vegetation can impact moisture levels inside the home, which can lead to issues with mold and mildew, pest infestations, and even problems in the foundations of the house. To ensure moisture remains outside and doesn’t start to seep into the foundations or walls of your home, Holmes swears by one key tip. “Keep shrubs and greenery away from foundation walls and make sure the ground is sloping away from the foundation. You don’t want water entering your home,” he said.

Maintaining a buffer zone between the landscaping and the foundation is the best way to prevent common types of mold that can grow in your home from appearing inside your living space. Many home experts recommend leaving a distance of at least one foot between the outer walls of your house and the nearest shrubs and plants. This allows airflow and sunlight to reach the foundation and prevent overcrowding, which can trap moisture and allow fungi to penetrate the walls. The gap can also help to prevent moisture in the soil from sitting against the property and seeping in, which can also cause mold. 

Getting rid of mold and mildew can be tricky. While there are many easy ways to clean mold and see instant results, the issue will usually reoccur if you don’t address the root cause of the problem. Indoor solutions, such as dehumidifiers or bathroom fans, can prevent moisture accumulation, and this can keep mold at bay since the spores are reactivated by moisture. However, if there is water accumulation around the home’s foundations then mold is bound to become a problem again in the future.

Foundation walls are vulnerable to moisture intrusion, especially when there is improper exterior drainage, causing nearby overgrown shrubs and plants or compacted soil to trap water against the structure. Over time, accumulated moisture can seep into basement walls, crawl spaces, and other unexpected places where mold may lurk and spread quietly. This may not only cause structural damage but also health risks, such as respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and chronic sinus problems. Following Mike Holmes’ advice will not only help maintain the outdoor aesthetics of your house, but it will also protect your home from fungi growth. Spacing plants may be a small adjustment, but it can reap big benefits in the long run.