Why Foundation Shrubs and Hedges Are Damaging Your Home—and How to Fix It

A New Approach to Landscaping: Moving Beyond Foundation Plantings

When my Northern California town introduced Ordinance #1309 in 2019, it was a wake-up call for many homeowners. The law encouraged clearing shrubs, hedges, and even herbs from the 5-foot zone around homes to reduce wildfire risks. For me, this wasn’t just about compliance—it felt like a personal betrayal. My lavender, which had been a loyal companion through droughts, gophers, and a house remodel, suddenly became a symbol of defiance.

But after digging deeper into the issue, I discovered some uncomfortable truths. Foundation plantings, which have long been a staple of landscaping, are actually harmful—not just in fire-prone areas but everywhere. Experts in garden design, horticulture, and forestry ecology agree that these leafy borders can cause serious damage to homes. They lead to moisture problems, mildew, blocked vents, and even termite infestations. Roots can also infiltrate crawl spaces, causing structural issues over time.

Alexander Betz, CEO of Plant by Number Design, emphasized the importance of considering the full-grown size of plants when planting. “When you plant a baby shrub, picture it full-grown, with roots spreading just as far, and keep those roots 2 to 3 feet from your foundation,” he said. This advice is especially crucial in wildfire-prone regions, where the State of California recommends removing all combustible materials within 5 feet of a home. That includes bark mulch, leaf litter, shrubs, and even stored firewood against the wall.

Eric Knapp, a research ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service, co-authored a study on why certain homes survived the 2018 Camp Fire. He pointed out that while live plants may not ignite first, foundation plantings often accumulate flammable leaf litter at the base, creating a dangerous buildup of kindling. “I’ve been stockpiling kindling around my house for years,” I admitted. Knapp acknowledged that the idea of having hedges against the house was once standard practice, but it’s time to rethink that approach.

The concept of foundation plantings dates back to the 1840s, when landscape theorist Andrew Jackson Downing suggested placing flowering shrubs near windows. However, he never envisioned entire buildings being surrounded by greenery. By the 1880s, the English cottage-garden aesthetic—featuring flowering shrubs, climbing roses, and towering hollyhocks—became popular in America. This trend persisted, even if it sometimes served more practical purposes, like hiding poor architectural details.

Billy Cotton, a New York City designer, noted that ground plantings were often used to mask bad architecture. “People thought, ‘If the way your shingling meets the foundation needs to be resolved, throw some boxwood there to soften the approach,’” he said. While Cotton isn’t a fan of boxwoods, he prefers using wisteria vines trained up a loggia to create a natural connection between the house and the land.

For suburban homeowners like myself, who are limited by small lots, the challenge is finding a balance between aesthetics and safety. Kristina Hill, an associate professor at the University of California, Berkeley, suggests replacing foundation plantings with hardscape elements like gravel or pavers. “Skip the institutional gray. Brick or crushed brick—reddish—is really good. Bluestone or river rock works too,” she advised. She also recommended mixing materials in the 5-foot zone to create visual interest, similar to Italian piazzas.

Hill’s approach involves using sculptural elements to draw attention away from the base of the house. Decorative rocks, paths with birdbaths, or art pieces can add movement and depth. Beyond that, adding color spots with height and presence, such as a Japanese maple tree, can enhance the curb appeal without compromising safety.

Jason Parker, an ISA-certified arborist, noted that younger homeowners are becoming more aware of the dangers associated with foundation plantings. “The newer generation is asking more questions,” he said. This shift in perspective suggests a growing recognition that our long-standing relationship with these plantings may not have been healthy.

After much reflection and effort, I finally let go of the hedges. The rosemary now resides in a container by the patio, while steppingstones surrounded by low, fire-resistant plants now define the space. From the street, the house looks grounded, with an olive tree in the middle of the front garden serving as a focal point. Nothing hides a termite tube, and the yard is less likely to become a wildfire hazard.

Do I miss the green fringe? Sometimes. But knowing that my yard is safer and more resilient gives me peace of mind. My lavender, once an outlaw, is now living a quiet, law-abiding life in protective custody at the far end of the yard.