You sure have honeybees! If you want to take them out alive the siding have to be removed to get axes to the hive. See if a bee keeper is willing to do the job and how much..$ Konrad

Dallisgrass. MSMA for existing weeds and prodiamine to prevent new seeds from sprouting. Keep lawn short to prevent seed heads from forming. Spreads quickly if left unchecked.

My thought was mid-century craftsman because those rails were very common then ... but more more common on ranch style brick subdivision homes than on craftsman homes that tended to have larger square wood posts, often atop pillars made of the same block or brick as the foundation -- at least that's what I remember from my own home town. The metal porch posts and railings appear to be in good shape and doing their job well; and if maintained (properly prepped and painted as needed) they'll likely last a very long time. So, no, you don't need to replace the metal railings unless you are one of those people who prefer to follow fads and choose style over function ... and IF are willing to pay for it -- replace any wood you use for style as it fails (a lot quicker than properly maintained metal rails would). I actually prefer the porch posts and rails white; however, I do notice you have a black ?metal? lamp post so if black metal is your preference, or if you prefer the same color as your siding or any other color for your porch rails and posts, then there is no reason why your porch posts and railings should not reflect your personal color taste. You have a really nice looking home, including the porch, so I hope you are able to take the time to enjoy it, especially in spring and fall.

Thank you for the advise tj. This is the first time I posted anything, do you know how I can add insect forum?