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Trees can beautify your yard and provide privacy and shade. They can also cause problems, such as fallen leaves and fruit that make a mess. Be sure to choose the right species so you dont wind up regretting your decision.

Why Do You Want to Plant Trees?
Hardwoods tend to grow slowly and have a long lifespan. Trees that grow faster are usually smaller and have softwood. They generally dont live as long as hardwood trees.

If your house gets too much direct sunlight and you want to have shade as soon as possible, select a species that grows quickly. Tulip trees, honey locusts and willow oak are popular choices. You should also choose fast-growing trees if youre interested in the flowers or fruit theyll produce.

Conifers can provide privacy, and taller varieties can offer shade and block wind. Pine trees grow well in a variety of climates. Spruce trees are also popular.

How Much Work Are You Willing to Do?
Deciduous trees have leaves that often turn brilliant colors in the autumn before they fall to the ground. The leaves need to be raked or blown and collected, and the branches then remain bare until spring. Only choose deciduous trees if youre prepared to do the work of collecting leaves or to pay someone else to do it.

Evergreen trees may have broad or needlelike leaves. They keep their leaves throughout the year and can provide picturesque views in any season.

How Much Space Do You Have?
Choose trees thatll be an appropriate size for your house and the rest of the property when theyre full-grown. Plant shorter trees near the house and taller ones in other parts of the yard.

If you have a relatively small area available to plant trees, select ornamental species thatll produce fruit, berries or colorful leaves. Japanese maple, crabapple, citrus and Chinese dogwood trees are some good choices.

What Are the Climate and Soil Like?

Consider your regions climate when choosing trees for your yard. The range of temperatures, the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, and the amount of rainfall are all important factors.

If you live in or near a city, the air quality can affect your choice of trees. Pollutants, poor drainage, compacted soil and other urban environmental conditions can make it hard for some species to thrive. Oak, Norway maple, gingko and Washington hawthorn trees may be good choices.

Get Help Choosing the Right Trees
Since trees generally live for decades or even centuries, its important to think carefully about which species to plant. Visit a local nursery or garden center, talk to the professionals about your reasons for wanting to plant trees, and ask for advice specific to your region and needs.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are five defining features of the increasingly popular style of mountain-modern architecture.

Dramatic Lines

Dramatic rooflines inspired by the scenery set the stage before youre even inside.

Locally-Sourced Materials

Living in the mountains usually means having access to an abundance of wood and natural stone from the area.

Open Floorplans

Mountain-modern residences are well-suited to contemporary living with open floorplans that flow freely from room to room.

Abundance of Glass

Large walls of glass are a common characteristic for the architectural style, bringing the mesmerizing vistas right into the home.

Indoor/Outdoor Living

Interior spaces seamlessly flow outside through retractable glass walls, with covered terraces and outdoor kitchens just steps away.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Windows that are old, damaged or worn out are inefficient and can lead to high utility bills. Replacing windows can be a huge financial investment, but it can also be an opportunity to choose styles that are better suited to your familys needs and preferences.

If youve lived in your house for several years, you may have a running list of things that you dont like about the current windows. For example, some rooms might not get much sunlight or ventilation. Windows in some areas may be difficult to clean, or maybe your house is surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape that you wish you could see more of. Replacing the windows gives you an opportunity to address these issues.

Benefits of Various Window Styles
If youd like to let more sunlight into certain rooms, you may want to consider sliding windows. If theres space available outside, you can install large bay or bow windows that will extend out into the yard. A picture window can provide plenty of sunlight and a view of the natural surroundings.

If your house tends to get hot in the summer and you spend a lot of money on air conditioning, you can install windows that will provide more ventilation. Casement windows can be opened with a crank, and awning windows can be opened at the bottom to allow cool breezes to circulate throughout the house. With double-hung windows, you can choose to open the top, bottom, or both, depending on the outdoor temperature.

Many homeowners put off cleaning their windows or pay professionals to come in and complete the task because they dont want to deal with climbing a ladder to gain access to hard-to-reach windows. For second-story rooms, double-hung windows are an ideal choice, as they can tilt inward for easy and safe cleaning.

How to Choose the Right Windows for Your House
Choose window styles that suit your homes style. Double-hung and casement windows work in most homes, but you can explore other options that fit your homes architectural design.

Many houses have the same window style throughout, but it doesnt have to be that way. You can mix and match styles, but be careful not to go overboard, as too many styles could detract from the appearance of the house. If you combine multiple styles, be sure to choose the same materials and colors so that your home has a unified appearance.

Get Expert Advice
If youre thinking about replacing your houses windows, choose the styles carefully. New windows should last decades, so be sure to select the ones that are right for your home and your family. Think about what you do and dont like about your homes current windows, and talk to local contractors about various options and prices.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Is student loan debt weighing you down?

Pay beyond the minimum payment every month to reduce your principal and avoid wasting money on interest.

To trick yourself into making an extra full payment annually, split monthly payments in half and pay that amount every two weeks instead.

Consider refinancing and consolidating your loans with a lower interest rate.

Devote cash windfalls, such as pay raises or tax refunds, to paying off your loans.

Try getting a side job and putting the extra income toward your loans.

If you cant boost your income, trim other monthly expenses to make bigger loan payments.

By using these strategies, you might be able to pay off your loans faster.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

When youre buying a home, one of the worst possible scenarios is a dream house that turns out to be a lemon. While the term usually refers to a home that looks great but is hiding some internal, serious flaws, there are actually red flags you can watch out for”that will show up way before you even get to an inspection.

Signs of Mold or Water Damage
Use your eyes and nose to check for these environmental issues. Water damage may reveal itself in stains, in damaged wood or flooring and walls that are collapsing. Obvious mold can also be seen by a simple visual inspection, but your nose can detect it even if its hidden. Mold isnt just unsightly”it can cause health issues like asthma, especially in kids.

Faulty Foundation
This is a classic, surefire deal breaker. Check the basement for large cracks (but small cracks shouldnt pose a problem and can be due to normal settling of the house).

Outdated Electric Systems
Turn lights on and off”are they flickering, buzzing, or generally seem off? In an older house, this could be a sign of needed (and often expensive) electrical work.

A Freshly Painted Wall or Ceiling
Particularly if only one wall or part of a wall has been painted, the owner could be trying to cover something up”like toxic mold (see above).

Of course, any home youre buying will go through a thorough inspection by a professionally qualified inspector. However, unless you really love the home or the neighborhood, you may prefer not to waste your time (and money, through inspection costs) if the home is a potential lemon. If you see any of the four red flags above, weigh the pros and cons with your real estate agent. It may be better to move on to a home that will be less of a headache!

Published with permission from RISMedia.