We considered that, but since there are 3 steps and a railing is needed there, do you think it might look a bit odd with just the short stair railing?

You're probably right about the yew. Obviously someone didn't look at the tag when they bought the little shrub!

Do you need a railing for the steps? Is there someone with mobility problems who lives here (or visits often)?

I have 4 steps up to my porch and no railing. I've never felt like it was needed.

If you need a railing, what about adding it to the side of the house and leaving the other side open?

I would replace the railings. Even if not needed by code, they add a finished look and railings are always welcome with more than two steps. Appreciated by any elderly or infirm visitors and adding to resale value.

btw, the yew is one plant that cam be pruned back to the ground for a more manageable size. It will regrow but slowly and it is easy to keep up with an annual pruning to keep the plant in check. However, a heavily pruned back yew is not an overly attractive item and since this a highly visible entry planting, you might opt to remove or relocate.

Wood railings are good, but if they've rotted quickly in that location, metal would probably be longer lasting.

The blue spruce is beautiful. It might be worth consulting an arborist about how to keep it in check for the location. It may take some careful pruning by a real pro, or it may do better if no one touches it- a local arborist would know.

Metal railings would look nice on that house.

There are elderly visitors and he has decided to put the rail all around. Not sure if he is going to replace the portion at the bottom of the stairs.

I like the look of the dark blue, particularly with the blue repeated on the posts and siding, but that look is really only available in wood, and he wants something that doesn't need to be repainted every few years.

He got a quote for $3500 for metal railings all around, more expensive than expected. He's handy, so looking into doing it himself. If metal, would you do black or white?

If you use metal, I would go with black. It will blend better with the house. Paint your support posts the same color as your other trim.

White is the predominant trim color so it would make sense to go with that. A metal rail with 1/2" pickets would look a better/more refined and "transparent" than the bulkier wood rail. It would make sense to enclose the outer perimeter of the stoop and steps, but not extend the rail over to the driveway post as has been done. The path to the steps should be clearly visible when approaching the house ... another reason to get rid of the yew. Its presence there, whether it is big or small, doesn't help.

Thanks for all your comments. I've passed them on and will update with a picture when the job is done. In the spring we'll be back for landscaping advice. Snow forecast for tomorrow so our planting season is over!

Happy to hear any more thoughts, though.