Landscaping: What to Look For

Buying a house? MSN shares some tips on what to look for when evaluating the landscaping:

• Plant health. Even if you're not a professional gardener, there are some tell-tale signs that a plant is sick. Wilting plants -- or brown and crispy leaves -- are warning signs. So are mushrooms and fungus at the bottom of a tree, as well as evidence of insect problems.
  
  
• Placement of tree limbs. Look to see if any limbs are touching a roof or could interfere with a power line -- both possible areas of concern. But be especially aware of a tree limb hanging over the chimney. Not only could animals climb down into the chimney, but a branch could block the draft and create higher carbon monoxide levels in the home.
  
  
• Problems underground. It's tougher to look for evidence of heavy root growth than it is to take a survey of the limbs above. But sometimes, roots will make their presence known by lifting or cracking a sidewalk or driveway, creating a trip hazard. Also, a depression in the yard could indicate a leaking sewer line caused by root interference.
  
  
• The lay of the land. Drive around the block and look at the ground on which the home is situated. Is it at the bottom of a hillside, at the top of one, or on flat land? It's important that rain isn't able to follow a downward slope toward the foundation (a condition that could lead to flooding).
  
  
• Foliage proximity. Watch out for foliage that is close to the house's exterior, because it can provide shelter for insects and rodents and gives them an excellent vantage point from which to enter the house. Also, if shrubs are too close to the building and the wind causes them to rub up against the house, the siding could wear out.
  
  
• Deck construction. Although a deck isn't a living part of the landscape, it's still an important one to inspect. The building of a deck is a common do-it-yourself project, and sometimes mistakes can be found in the final product. Make sure that the deck is fastened to the house correctly and is supported properly. It should have places for people to grab onto,and balusters should be close enough that a 4-inch ball couldn't fit through them (ensuring that a child's head couldn't get stuck).