How Far Should Mulch Be From a House?

Mulch Types

• There are two primary types of mulch, organic and inorganic. Organic mulches include bark, wood chips, straw and other plant-based materials, while inorganic mulches include materials such as black plastic, rubber and rock. While each type of mulch has its advantages and disadvantages, the general role that mulch plays remains largely the same regardless of the type used. Even inorganic mulches such as gravel and rubber, which don't absorb moisture directly, still assist the soil in retaining its moisture.

Mulch by the House

• Because mulch helps the soil to retain moisture, having mulch pressed against your outer wall can contribute to dampness problems, foundation leaks and other moisture-related problems such as mildew and mold. The moisture also creates an ideal environment for termites to develop a colony, even if the mulch is not made of wood; termite infestations aren't attracted to mulch as a potential food source but instead as a potential source of cool, moist soil where they can establish themselves.

Proper Mulch Spacing

• To prevent mulch-related problems in your home, space any mulch that you use at least 12 inches away from the foundation of your house. This ensures that there will be no unwanted pests using the mulch as a pathway into your foundation and also reduces moisture levels right next to your house. In addition, don't apply mulch excessively to the area; use it in depths of only 2 to 4 inches depending on the mulch material used.

Additional Precautions

• You can take other precautions to further lower the likelihood of mulch-related dampness or termite infestations in your home. Sheet aluminum or other metals can be installed along the base of your foundation to create a physical barrier to unwanted moisture and insects when using mulch near your house. Plastic barrier materials are also available to serve the same purpose. Laying plastic sheeting under your mulch layer during application also reduces problems, limiting the amount of moisture that can enter the soil beneath the mulch.