The Late-Summer Perimeter Walk

By late August, Hudson Valley landscapes have reached their densest, most active point of the year. Months of heat, heavy humidity, and sudden thunderstorms have pushed perennials, shrubs, and groundcovers to their limits. While the lush canopy is welcome, dense vegetation sitting tight against your home creates a sheltered microclimate that traps moisture against siding, invites pests, and hides drainage shifts.

Before the season turns and early autumn rains arrive, take forty-five minutes on a dry afternoon to walk the complete perimeter of your home. Focus on the ground line, the foundation, and the first few feet of the exterior envelope.

Here are five key areas to check during your walk:

- Establish a clear buffer: Maintain at least twelve to eighteen inches of breathing space between your siding and any landscape plantings. Trim back overgrown shrubs, ornamental grasses, and low-hanging branches that touch siding or roof edges when the wind picks up. - Inspect downspout discharge zones: Heavy summer downpours often displace splash blocks or wash out topsoil. Confirm that downspout extensions direct runoff several feet away from the foundation and that soil still slopes gently away from the structure. - Clear window wells and crawlspace vents: Clear accumulated debris, weed growth, and silt from basement window wells. Make sure crawlspace vent screens are intact so small rodents cannot enter as overnight temperatures begin to dip. - Check mulch depth against the foundation: Over years of gardening, mulch layers tend to build up. Mulch should never sit in direct contact with wood siding, trim, or shingles. Ensure there is a visible gap of exposed stone or poured concrete foundation between the soil line and your siding. - Inspect exterior hose spigots and AC pads: Check for slow drips at hose connections that may have developed during peak garden season. While you are there, confirm that the outdoor condenser unit is level and has at least two feet of clear airflow around all sides.

Taking time to reset the perimeter now protects your siding from rot, keeps foundation walls dry, and ensures your home enters the autumn season in sound condition.