​Trees make up a beautiful part of the landscape of any property.  If trees are situated too close to a building, however, this could create numerous problems.  Here are some of the potential risks associated with trees too close to a home:
 
Damage to foundations.  This is a big concern for many homeowners so how can trees damage a foundation?  If cracks already exist in the foundation, roots can grow into those cracks.  Some tree roots can get so big that they start to grow underneath the home’s foundation, causing it to lift.
 
Falling tree limbs and branches.  This is another problem that comes with trees close to a building.  These falling branches can fall on roofs, power and communication lines and even on the home’s occupants or passersby.  Falling leaves and branches can also start to clog gutters which, if not cleaned out regularly, could create structural issues. 
 
Rodents and insects could gain easier access to a home with the help of a close tree. 
 
Greater danger of fire spreading.  This would be especially the case in areas susceptible to wildfires.
 
As we can see, there are certain risks associated with trees being situated too close to a building.  This risk is increased if the tree is unhealthy or dying.  If you notice that trees on your property are dead or dying, you may find it better to remove it and eliminate the risk altogether.

​If you have built your own home or are about to, you will probably be familiar with the many exterior cladding options that are available to you.  One option that has been around for many years is wooden siding. If this is a choice you are considering, what are some helpful things to know about it?  Let’s look at a few of the wooden siding options available:
 
One of the more common types of wood siding is solid wood or lumber.  You will find this can be arranged in a variety of combinations such as horizontally, vertically or diagonally.  This is a good wood siding option because of its attractive look and, as long as its well maintained, durability.
 
Hardboard is another, cheaper, option for wood siding.  This is usually made up of compressed wood fiberboard that is made with synthetic adhesive, generally treated with EPA approved preservative.  This helps to prevent decay and damage caused from insects.
 
Plywood is also used for wood siding.  The types of wood generally used for this are: yellow pine, Douglas fir and red cedar.  This is a good option as it can add to the structural strength of the home, whether it’s fitted horizontally or vertically.
 
Weatherboard also referred to as clapboard is installed horizontally with long boards that overlap.  Typical woods used for this are redwood or cedar due to their strength and not being as prone to decay.
 
From this brief consideration, we can see that there are many different types of wood siding and we have not considered all of them.  So, if you are thinking about wooden siding for your new home, its worth taking time to decide which type is right for you.