Q: We have large, overgrown bushes along the front of our house that have become too difficult to maintain. If we pull them out would we have a problem with water getting into our now-dry basement?

A: I highly recommend the motto that begins “If it ain’t broke….”. Much depends on how far from the foundation wall the shrubbery is located. Pulling it out could put pressure on the wall, leading to leaks. Just to be on the safe side, saw the monsters close to the ground, apply glyphosate (Roundup, etc) to the stump to prevent re-sprouting, and plant new, smaller shrubs nearby.