Vegetation too close and negative grading - the two most common defects

The two most common defects I discover at the majority of inspections are grading of the soil and vegetation too close to the house.
Proper grading helps to route the water away from the structure; level or negative grading leads to a wet a crawlspace or basement.
Vegetation too close to structures creates all kinds of problems. Insects find the perfect environment to get into the structure and cause all kinds of damage. Larger trees and shrubs don’t just fill up the rain gutters, no – their roots are responsible for the most expensive damages. Yes, roots will crack concrete, lift houses or sidewalks and of course they kill your septic system.
At our place, we had some really tall and mature trees, 75 ft plus, within a distance of 14 ft to the structure. Their roots already showed some rot, and we decided that they have to go.
The close distance and huge diameter required professional help. We contacted Byrd Tree Service in Brownsville, because we knew that they do a good job.
A few days later they stopped by with heavy equipment and a crew of experts. Within a few hours the problem was solved, excluding one piece. It was left in place because the wood peckers were nesting inside. Yes, this makes the difference between an expert and a fly-by company.
Here’s my advice, take care of your grading, don’t plant trees and shrubs too close to the house. If you’re not sure about the right distance, ask an expert before you dig. If you have a tree problem, select a good company.
Just act faster than the disaster!