Neighbors pine tree needles & birch tree seeds getting all over porch.
by
Mary
+10
I have a 24' long x 10' wide porch that has the bottom half enclosed, which leaves the upper 5 ft. of open space all around the porch. Neighbor on the left has pine trees that the needles are always blowing on my porch. Neighbor on the right side has several birch trees that have itty bitty seeds that are constantly blowing on my porch, & then they get tracked into the house on our shoes daily. (the seeds remind me of crushed red pepper) I have to sweep the porch every single day, every day of the year, and also vacuum rugs at the front and back doors daily. I can't do it any more!!! Want to scream bloody murder. I was thinking about using lattice and maybe using a clear plastic over the lattice, so that light can still get in, but keep out the needles & seeds, & have it look nice.
I can't afford windows, which I would love to have, so all suggestions of what to do, will be so much appreciated. The 2 sides are approximately 6 ft. long by 5 ft. upper openings & the 2 front sides are about 10' long by 5 ft. upper openings. There are 4 huge pillars holding the porch roof up & there is an opening about 4 ft. wide where you enter the porch. Older photo here... new house numbers were moved higher on pillar & a flag mount with flag was set just below the numbers, 4 shrubs on each side were planted, & used large patio blocks to enclose the shrubs. Will be residing house, putting shutters on upper windows, & will have the 4 pillars wrapped in aluminum so I won't have to ever paint them again, can't afford the major updates until summer of 2019. (paying off credit cards lol)
How about screens? Screens allow air and light to filter through but keeps out bugs and debris. They come in rolls, so you cut to size and they come in different mesh thickness, different colors such as black, grey etc...
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Phifer-18x14-Pool-and-Patio-Screen-Wire/3034298?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-ToolsAndHardware-_-ScreenAndGlass-_-3034298:Phifer&CAWELAID=&kpid=3034298&CAGPSPN=pla&store_code=2670&k_clickID=8ee46832-d428-4f7c-bbc3-08f92199bf22&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsK7RBRDzARIsAM2pTZ-i40cWDRN12FuJNGv21k7DuYCFZWdH2YZxbqFzlMBh9EDXD-6M7NIaAgWfEALw_wcB
I would build frames for the openings slightly smaller than the opening by about 1/16"so the are friction fit. Staple window screen mesh on the frames and insert into the openings. Won't block the view and esthetics of the home. Also build frames for two doors for the entry and staple screen mesh to them. Hang the doors with spring hinges so all you need is to push them to enter the porch and they close themselves.
Love Williams idea and it won't detract from the house. Many homes with your type porch have screens to enclose the porch. It sounds easy and not real expensive either. You could paint the frames to match the color around the windows or match the siding color.
I agree screens are cheapest solution, and one other thing you can do is if the trees are growing over your property line, you could have them trimmed back.
As to the door entrance, try a box fan on a timer by the door on the porch floor to blow the offending needles away. You can get timers that can be scheduled to turn on and off at a couple times a day, like when you are ready to leave, and right before you come home.
Screens are also a more permanent solution Than plastic. Once you eliminate the mess you can create a nice summer sitting space.
You have a right to your property, being your property you should not have a neighbors tree on your property. If it's hanging over on your side, it must be trimmed. Call your town hall, and find out just what your rights are. They have to trim it down, I'm certain.
Cut the trees back away from your property
Screen idea good, maybe more summery get away look would b to run a rod on to n one below n hang curtains or screen, n then you have option to slide open/closed..
We built (that is my husband did) new screens for our porch this summer. He put framing in first and then built the screens. This porch is about 8' X 14' and screens are maybe 9' high. The screening itself cost under $150. You would need three screen widths each for the 10' sections. You would also need framing built for the front door part of the porch opening. If budget is a consideration, maybe a handy man can put the framing up for you and also build the frames themselves and you just cut and staple the screening. My husband is a skilled woodworker and this was a project that took some time. However screening will last a very, very long time.
you will never completely eliminate the problem but yes you can make it easier. Firstly you could trim the trees on your side of the property and then I would go with the best treatment that you can afford to help block up the sides - even if you simply start with white or green screen cloth that you can buy from a garden centre and staple it up and then as money allows you could look at other forms of screening. Obviously windows would be great but yes they are costly, however you may be able to buy some second hand windows (which are usually cheap) and get a handy man / woman to help you install them and make the required adjustments to fill up any holes or work out the best installation idea.
oTrimming the trees will not solve this problem, and it may irritate the tree owners.
Screening porch is probably the best bet.
The fan idea sounds good, especially for those birch things. That would be almost as bad as mud.
I’ve had birch trees for over forty years, along with several neighbors and have never had anything fall besides the leaves in fall. Your birches may be different, and I know different states have different laws, but have you tried talking to your neighbors?
I will save anyone with a porch alot of work when it comes to sweeping. My front porch is 18x54 my back porch is 8x54 and i have never swept them one time my outside rugs never seen a broom. Go get you a cheep electric leaf blower you will thank me later you will find alot of uses for it.