Why do we home inspectors care about landscaping elements that are in direct contact with the building exterior?  It’s really because, in our moist environment, with landscaping elements right up against the exterior, elevated moisture conditions don’t have time to dry out which can lead to insect damage.  In my reports, I typically recommend providing eighteen (18) inches clearance; however, recognizing this isn’t always practical, or desirable, at least ensure there’s space between landscaping elements and the building exterior.  This photograph was taken at a recent home inspection in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.