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By Ashley Papa, The Family Handyman
The privacy of a dwelling within acres of woodland drew us to purchase our house in the woods. We imagined ourselves sitting on the deck, looking out into what seemed like miles of trees while deer grazed and colorful birds flew by.
Make no mistake, that is what it's like living in the woods — when you're not blowing leaves, trimming branches or climbing on the roof to clear the gutters. As serene as it is, these are a few of the things I wish I knew before buying our house in the woods.
Here Is What I've Learned
The House Often Feels Damp
Because of the ample shade
in the spring, summer and fall, the house takes longer to dry out after
it rains. Without direct sunlight, it tends to always feel damp,
especially in the basement. That's why dehumidifiers are a must when
living in the woods. Without them, you leave yourself susceptible to a
constant clammy feeling and even bigger problems, such as mold.
Seasonal Chores Are Compounded Even More Than You Think
Pruning trees in the summer, raking leaves in the fall, chopping wood in the winter and weeding the garden
in the spring all seem like typical seasonal maintenance. But when you
live in the woods, these are nearly everyday chores. While the
maintenance is constant, it's worth it to experience the beautiful fall
foliage, blooming wild flowers and picturesque winters.
Landscaping Presents Its Challenges
We
considered naming our house "Roots and Rocks" because it's hard to
plant anything with long, deep roots, in part because of the abundance
of rock just beneath the surface. Having a good root-cutting shovel
will help. And because many of us don't own a jackhammer, the most
useful tools to remove or work around the rocks are pick-axes, spades
and pry bars. A bonus: We're able to incorporate rock gardens and boulders into our landscaping at no extra cost!
You Need a Roof Maintenance Budget
Regular roof maintenance
is imperative when you live in the woods because your roof takes a hit
from the elements. While the tall trees help shield the roof from wind
damage, having trees extend over the house makes the roof vulnerable to
falling limbs, nuts, pine cones, bird droppings, etc.
In addition, the lack of sun means snow and ice sit longer on the roof in the winter. Replacing broken shingles, investing in a good leaf blower,
and using an extension to clear the debris out of the gutters are some
of the things we do to prevent leaks and keep our roof in good shape.
A Quality Chainsaw Is Key
Keeping a fire burning in the fireplace
all day while the snow falls outside is one of the coziest things about
living in a house in the woods. And with so much firewood around, you
can heat your home without cranking up the thermostat, which saves money. A lot of the wood comes from the dead and fallen trees, so buying the right chainsaw is a must.
It Comes With Health Benefits
If studies show that spending just five minutes around trees or in green spaces improves health, imagine what living among the trees can do! Coming to our house in the woods from a more urban setting, we get better sleep, rarely get sick and have a greater sense of calm. These are things I never would have expected, but definitely appreciate.
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