Settling Around Your Newly Built Home: How It Affects Your Landscaping and How to Fix It

Building a new home is exciting, but one often overlooked challenge is the settling of soil around your new home. As the ground adjusts after construction, it can create problems for your landscaping. In Colorado, where soil types and weather conditions vary widely, settling issues can be especially frustrating. This guide explains how settling affects your yard, how to spot the signs, and what you can do to fix it, keeping your outdoor space beautiful and functional.

What Is Soil Settling?

When a home is built, the soil around it is disturbed. Heavy machinery, excavation, and the weight of the new structure compress the ground, causing it to shift over time. Settling can occur for months or even years after construction, depending on factors like soil type, weather, and landscaping design.

Signs of Settling Around Your Home

Settling isn’t always obvious right away, but here are common signs to watch for:

1. Sunken Areas in Your Lawn: Uneven spots or depressions can make your yard look lumpy and messy.

2. Shifting Pavers or Cracks in Patios: Hardscaping, like patios or walkways, may tilt or crack as the ground underneath moves.

3. Drainage Problems: Settling can change the slope of your yard, causing water to pool in unwanted areas.

4. Foundation Issues: In severe cases, settling can even lead to cracks in your home’s foundation, which is a costly fix.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action.

Why Is Settling a Big Problem in Colorado?

Colorado’s unique environment plays a big role in soil settling:

• Expansive Soils: Clay-heavy soil, common in many parts of Colorado, expands when wet and shrinks when dry. This causes the ground to shift more dramatically.

• Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Winters in Colorado bring freezing temperatures that can push soil upward. When it thaws, the soil drops again, creating more settling.

• Dry Climate: The arid environment can dry out soils, making them more prone to shifts when rehydrated.

These conditions mean settling can be more noticeable and persistent in Colorado compared to other regions.

How to Fix Landscaping Issues Caused by Settling

The good news? Settling doesn’t have to ruin your landscaping. Here are practical solutions to restore and protect your outdoor space:

1. Regrading Your Yard
   Regrading adjusts the slope of your yard to improve drainage and create a more level surface. This process involves adding or removing soil to reshape your landscape.

• DIY Tips: Use a landscaping rake and soil to fill in small dips.

• When to Call a Pro: For larger areas or significant drainage problems, hire a landscaping professional.

2. Install Proper Drainage Systems
   Settling often leads to water pooling in low spots. Installing drains or adjusting gutters can help direct water away from problem areas.

• French Drains: A trench filled with gravel and a pipe to redirect water.

• Downspout Extensions: Ensure water from your roof flows far from your home’s foundation.

3. Repair Hardscaping
   If patios or walkways are shifting, they can often be repaired rather than replaced.

• Releveling Pavers: Lift and add a fresh base layer of sand or gravel.

• Concrete Resurfacing: For cracks, patch the surface and reseal to prevent further damage.

4. Aerate and Fill Your Lawn
   Lawn depressions can be fixed with topdressing. This involves spreading a thin layer of soil or compost over the affected area and reseeding. Regular aeration also helps prevent future settling by improving soil structure.

5. Add Retaining Walls
   Retaining walls are a great option for yards on slopes. They prevent soil from shifting and provide support for landscaping.

6. Monitor and Maintain
   Regular inspections and maintenance can prevent minor settling issues from becoming major headaches. Keep an eye on drainage, hardscaping, and your lawn’s condition throughout the year.

Preventing Settling Issues in the First Place

While you can’t stop all settling, there are steps to minimize its impact:

1. Work with Your Builder: During construction, ask about soil compaction and drainage plans. Well-prepared soil is less likely to settle.

2. Delay Landscaping: Waiting a year after your home is built allows the soil to settle naturally. Then, you can design your yard with fewer surprises.

3. Choose Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Materials like gravel or mulch are more forgiving to settling compared to hardscaping.

When to Call a Professional

Some settling issues require expertise to resolve. If you notice severe drainage problems, shifting hardscaping, or cracks in your home’s foundation, it’s time to call in a professional. Landscapers and structural engineers can assess the situation and recommend long-term fixes.

Cost of Fixing Settling Issues

The cost of repairs varies depending on the severity of the problem. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Regrading and Drainage Installation: $1,500 to $5,000

• Hardscaping Repairs: $500 to $2,500

• Foundation Repairs: $5,000 or more

Preventive maintenance is often cheaper, so addressing small issues early can save you money in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Settling is a natural part of building a new home, but it doesn’t have to disrupt your dream yard. By understanding the causes, watching for signs, and taking proactive steps, you can protect your landscaping and keep it looking great.

If you’re dealing with settling issues, don’t wait. Reach out to a local landscaping professional in Colorado for expert advice tailored to your yard’s unique needs.

Would you like more information about landscaping in Colorado? Explore our other blog posts or contact us for personalized help!