What to Put Around Foundation of House? Experts Share the Best Landscaping Materials

Taking care of the area around your house foundation is one of the simplest ways to protect your home. The right materials can keep water from pooling, stop weeds from spreading, and help avoid cracks or structural damage over time.

Many homeowners focus on curb appeal, but what to put around the foundation of a house is about much more than looks. Choosing the right landscaping material can improve drainage, reduce pest infestations, and even boost property value.

We’ll go over the best options like gravel landscaping, organic mulch, concrete borders, and brick masonry, and show you how each one can protect your house foundation while keeping your yard looking neat.

 

What is the Best Landscaping Material Around a House?

Choosing the right landscaping material for your house foundation makes a big difference. The right option helps with proper drainage, keeps weed growth under control, and protects the foundation wall from excess moisture or soil erosion.

Let’s look at the best landscaping materials one by one.

1. Gravel Landscaping and Crushed Stone

Gravel landscaping is one of the best choices for protecting a house foundation. A simple layer of crushed stone or river rock improves proper drainage, moving water runoff away from the foundation wall instead of letting it pool. This helps prevent excess moisture, which can lead to soil erosion, cracks, or even structural damage.

Another benefit is how gravel helps with weed control. When paired with landscape fabric and secured with pins, a gravel bed acts as a strong barrier to prevent weed growth. Adding this base keeps your foundation neat and creates a clean rock border that adds curb appeal while staying a low-maintenance option. Gravel is also useful for erosion control systems in yards that slope or collect water during heavy rains.

There are different rocks around your foundation you can use. River rock looks natural and decorative, while larger rocks and crushed stone stay in place better and handle heavy rains without washing away. For best results, make sure the ground is properly graded so water flows away from the house.

2. Organic Mulch and Flower Beds

Using organic mulch around the foundation is one of the most common options. Mulch helps the soil beneath retain moisture, supports plant growth, and keeps weed growth down. It also improves the look of flower beds around your house, adding curb appeal.

However, mulch comes with a few concerns. If it stays too damp, it can attract pests such as termites, which may threaten your house foundation or foundation wall. To avoid excess moisture, make sure your yard is properly graded so water flows away from the house. A layer of landscape fabric under the mulch can also act as a weed membrane, helping to prevent weeds from spreading through the garden soil.

If you’re considering mulch, choosing the right type matters. Organic mulches like wood chips or shredded bark break down over time and improve soil health. Many homeowners also look at the best mulch options for gardens to see which types work best for soil erosion control and keeping moisture balanced.

3. Concrete Borders

If you want something durable and simple, concrete borders are one of the best choices around a house foundation. They create a solid edge that helps guide water runoff away from your home, protecting it from soil erosion and excess moisture that can cause cracks along the foundation wall.

Many homeowners choose concrete because it’s tough, long-lasting, and often more affordable than other landscaping materials. You can also shape it to match your yard design, giving your home better curb appeal while keeping weeds from spreading into flower beds or a rock border.

If you’ve been weighing your options, a pavers vs concrete cost comparison usually shows concrete as the more budget-friendly pick. Pair it with quality concrete edging materials and you’ll have a low-maintenance solution that protects your house foundation while keeping the yard neat.

4. Brick Masonry Around the Foundation

Brick masonry is one of the most reliable choices for protecting a house foundation. Bricks create a sturdy barrier that helps stop soil erosion, controls water runoff, and reduces the risk of structural damage to your foundation wall. They also add curb appeal, giving your home a finished look while keeping the soil beneath more stable.

For homeowners worried about excess moisture or pest infestation, brick is a smart pick. Unlike organic mulches, which may attract pests or hold too much water, brick masonry stays strong through heavy rains and helps prevent weed growth around the foundation.

5. Retaining Walls and Edging Materials

If your yard has a slope or you’re dealing with soil erosion, a retaining wall can make a big difference. It creates a barrier that holds the soil beneath in place and helps guide water runoff away from the house foundation. This simple step protects against structural damage that often happens when heavy rains push soil back toward the foundation.

Adding paver edging systems or composite edging is another way to keep your landscaping materials neat. These borders stop rocks, mulch, and other layers from spreading out into the yard. Not only does this improve curb appeal, but it also makes the space much easier to maintain.

For bigger projects, you can use geo grid reinforcement to strengthen walls and keep everything stable. And with the right paver edging systems and essential landscaping tools, you’ll have what you need to create strong, clean borders that both protect your foundation wall and give your yard a more polished look.

6. Drainage Solutions: French Drains and Perforated Pipe

Water that pools around your foundation is one of the biggest threats to your home’s structural integrity. If the soil stays saturated, it can cause cracks in the foundation wall, encourage termite infestation, and even weaken the soil beneath your house. That’s why adding drainage systems like French drains or a perforated pipe can be a smart move.

A French drain uses gravel and a buried pipe to redirect water flow away from your home. It works especially well in areas with heavy rains or where water runoff naturally heads toward the house. A perforated pipe is similar but often used for larger yards or places where you need to move water faster. Both options help reduce excess moisture, prevent soil erosion, and protect against long-term structural damage.

Pairing these drains with erosion and drainage solutions such a erosion control systems or landscape fabric gives you even more protection. With the right setup, you can keep your house foundation dry, your yard stable, and your landscaping looking its best.

 

What is the Best Thing to Put Around the Foundation of a House?

The answer depends on your goals such as low maintenance, better drainage, or curb appeal. Here are the top options people often choose around the foundation:

• Gravel and crushed stone help with proper drainage, reduce excess moisture, and stop weed growth.

• Organic mulch and flower beds keep soil healthy and retain moisture, but they should be managed carefully to avoid pest problems.

• Concrete borders are affordable, durable, and effective at moving water away and keeping weeds down.

• Brick masonry adds strength, curb appeal, and long-term protection for home's foundations.

• Retaining walls and french drains are best for sloped yards or areas with heavy rains since they prevent erosion and structural damage.

The right choice depends on your yard’s conditions and what look you want to achieve. If you need reliable supplies to get started, you can find quality hardscaping materials online or visit Rivendell Distribution at 3961 Co Rd 114, Glenwood Springs, CO. This way, you can protect your foundation and keep your outdoor space looking clean and well-structured.

 

FAQs about Best Landscaping Material around a House Foundation

Is it good to put gravel around foundation?

Yes, gravel is one of the best choices because it improves drainage and prevents excess moisture from sitting against the house foundation. When combined with landscape fabric, it also helps with preventing weed growth. Since gravel is low-maintenance, many homeowners use it as a long-term option for foundation protection.

Is it better to have mulch or rocks around your house?

Rocks like gravel or river rock are better for drainage and keeping pests away, while organic mulch improves soil and supports plant growth. Mulch takes more upkeep and can sometimes attract pests, but the benefits of mulch for soil are valuable in flower beds away from the foundation. For the base of the house itself, rocks usually make the safer, low-maintenance choice.

What are the pros and cons of rock border around house foundation?

A rock border controls water flow, prevents soil erosion, and looks clean and finished. It also requires little maintenance and does not attract termites or other pests. The downside is that it does not enrich the soil beneath, so you cannot rely on rocks alone if you want plant growth close to the house.

What is the average cost of landscaping around a house?

The cost of landscaping depends on the materials you choose, the size of the property, and added features like edging or mulch. Gravel and mulch are generally the most affordable, while brick masonry and concrete borders cost more due to labor and material expenses. You can use our mulch calculator to estimate quantities before purchasing. If you’d like tailored advice or want to discuss your landscaping needs in detail, you can also contact us directly.