Landscaping on swelling soils should emphasize reducing the amount of runoff water that is absorbed by the soil. Some basic guidelines are:

1. Do not plant grass, flowers, or shrubs within 5 feet of the foundation, unless they are watered by hand or a drip-line. Ground cover plants with low water requirements are ideal, because they are generally aesthetically pleasing and keep moisture content constant.
   
   
2. Plants near the foundation should not disturb the slope around the house. Storm runoff from the roof should be directed away from the slope and foundation, and not into the plantings.
   
   
3. Trees should be at least 15 feet from the foundation. Their root systems will drastically change moisture content as well as shifting the soil and possibly pushing on the foundation itself. Trees with high water requirements or with wide, shallow root systems, such as willows or poplars, should never be used near a foundation.
   
   
4. Sprinkler systems should not spray within a 5 foot radius of the foundation. Automated sprinkler systems can be adjusted to accommodate monthly water requirements for various plants. Water not absorbed by the plants will infiltrate the soil.
   
   
5. Plant vegetation that is appropriate to the humidity or aridness where you live. In areas of high moisture content, such as Florida, plants requiring a lot of water are appropriate. In arid areas, such as Colorado and Arizona, use vegetation with low moisture requirements, including gardens and lawns. Using the appropriate vegetation will stabilize sub-surface moisture as well as saving on your water bill.
   
   
6. During long, dry periods, trees extend their root systems and draw the remaining water from the surrounding soil. At these times, you should water trees directly with plenty of water. Using a deep-root feeder, found at any local hardware store, inject water below the surface, directly to the roots, thereby reducing runoff and increasing the amount of water received by the tree.
   
   
7. Heavy clay soils (those that don't have much airspace) should be improved by mixing them with organic material. Not only does this improve fertility, but increases air and water circulation within the topsoil as well.
   
   
8. Plants with similar water requirements should be grouped together. Doing so will allow you to adjust the amount of water received by the plants, thereby reducing the amount of excess water. High-water lawns and gardens should be restricted to a small area and located well away from the house foundation.
   
   
9. Give plants just enough water to keep them healthy. Over watering, even far away from the foundation can lead to foundation damage. This is especially important for bluegrass lawns.