Crowding. Crowding. Crowding the house. How else would you describe this? I am sure the homeowner likes this plant, probably likes the way it covers the siding. But the problem is that siding needs some space between it and the vegetation. How much? Well usually a foot is recommended. In actuality, you can probably get by with less space than that as long as there is a big enough gap to allow the siding to dry after a rain. Otherwise it retains moisture and is prone to rot. You need some air circulation in there. And the other concern is that those darn lazy wood destroying insects, they like to get from here to there on the quickest and shortest possible route. That means that they will take any shortcut they can find -- such as climbing the plants. Bad, bad wood destroying insects, they spoil a gardeners fun. Don't believe me, just ask my wife when she has to trim her plants. Oh, on second thought, she never does. Drat!
Steven L. Smith
Bellingham WA Home Inspections
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HHHmmm, Do that applyto vinyl siding or aluminum siding?
Sean Allen
Sean,
Yes, it should. Plants on siding, earth to siding contact are problems. For example, in this state on the state test one question is, or was at least, which of the following is defined as earth to wood contact. The answer was vinyl siding touching soil. The problem is largely tied to the fact that most houses have wood framing behind the siding, regardless of what the siding is. Keeping the pests from having convenient paths is important.
Steve