hoping everyone has a great week, celebrating and indulging a bit! I'm thrilled to have lots of time with my core 5 plus extended family.
I wanted to share that the front garden renovation list has had a big project knocked off! I can't find a before photo (will I ever learn?) to show the size- let's pretend this Liriodendron tulipifera, tulip tree is in my yard. About 44' tall. *Google images
Of course, the leaves have fallen -large leaves which actually makes them easier to deal with. However, the tree didn't fit in with my cactus & succulent plans for the area. While the flowers were pretty, they were all so high in the sky you couldn't see them. Still, thank you tree.
First plan of attack, Ivan used the extension saw to take off as many bulky branches as possible. After he had taken a few branches off, he reminded me I might want a photo, lol.
Ivan in action, I couldn't have come close to getting these way up there branches. We were cleaning up as we went, they were brittle enough to snap the smaller ends with just our hands. And it smelled wonderful, almost citrus-y.
Meanwhile, James was anxious to get the problem solved. Ivan and I were referred to as "Team Worry" discussing all the ways to get this tree down. However, it was an excellent decision to remove the branches - the destruction when it fell would've been horrible! James sped off to Home Depot to rent a chain saw, while we were busy cleaning up branches.
First slice...(chainsaw noise, turn volume down)
Final blow...(Tracy "ooh-ooh"-ing noise, turn volume down)
Well, as luck would have it - the tree fell perfectly. Claiming only one loss. A smashed Aloe in a saucer pot.
I was planning on revamping the saucers anyway, so it is a loss I can take in stride.
Just a couple feet away, an established Aloe ferox remains untouched (and sending up buds). Whew! I was willing to take a few hits to get the tree down, but thrilled I didn't have to.
What's left. Ivan will slice the trunk down at the base with the sawzall, the wood is fairly soft.
But first... we have plans to use this as an anchor for a winch. To be continued!
Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving (U.S.). Have a great week :)
Congratulations on your big removal! It certainly does free up a lot of space. Are you going to do anything with the trunk sections? When our huge Eucalyptus was removed years ago, I never though about how I could use the trunk pieces and I regretted having them hauled away after the fact. When we later cut down a second large tree (at the behest of a particularly annoying neighbor who claimed both trees blocked her view), I kept a couple of chunks, which I've used as plant stands ;) Have a great Thanksgiving!
Thanks Kris, it looks so much bigger now. I will keep the sturdiest of the trunk sections to use just like you did. I'd like to hollow one & drill holes in it to use as an actual pot- who knows if that will happen. There always seems to be one particularly annoying neighbor in every neighborhood.
Nice work y'all! I'm so glad there wasn't more damage. BTW your front garden looks wonderful in that second video. As for the cliffhanger... hmmm, I wonder what's next! Happy Thanksgiving travels!
Thank you, I'm so thrilled it is done. It was the right choice, more room for agaves lol. I wish we were there more than a couple days-I'd pop in. In reality, I'd like to see your garden in early summer tho - in FULL GLORY! Maybe 2026 :)
Congratulations! I concur, always best to remove as many branches as possible before felling to minimize the damage. Great job! And, Ha! I'd love to find a tulip poplar to plant in our yard. I actually had a seedling a few years ago, but it died over the summer due to drought.
Great progress with the tree and I bet your neighbour was happy as it gave her more light. I agree it did not fit with your garden pplans and now you have continuity
Congratulations on your big removal! It certainly does free up a lot of space. Are you going to do anything with the trunk sections? When our huge Eucalyptus was removed years ago, I never though about how I could use the trunk pieces and I regretted having them hauled away after the fact. When we later cut down a second large tree (at the behest of a particularly annoying neighbor who claimed both trees blocked her view), I kept a couple of chunks, which I've used as plant stands ;) Have a great Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris, it looks so much bigger now. I will keep the sturdiest of the trunk sections to use just like you did. I'd like to hollow one & drill holes in it to use as an actual pot- who knows if that will happen. There always seems to be one particularly annoying neighbor in every neighborhood.
DeleteYou did it. ;-) Tree removal is not for the faint of heart. Hee Hee! I have many a story.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
It was a little nerve-wracking! I bet you do have your share of tree removal stories :)
DeleteTaking out that tree was a big project.
ReplyDeleteSo happy it is done, and that it went so well!
DeleteA big job done. Have a good TG week.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anvil, and you're all decked out for Christmas!
DeleteNice work y'all! I'm so glad there wasn't more damage. BTW your front garden looks wonderful in that second video. As for the cliffhanger... hmmm, I wonder what's next! Happy Thanksgiving travels!
ReplyDeleteThank you, I'm so thrilled it is done. It was the right choice, more room for agaves lol. I wish we were there more than a couple days-I'd pop in. In reality, I'd like to see your garden in early summer tho - in FULL GLORY! Maybe 2026 :)
DeleteWell of course summer is the BEST time to visit, but you're welcome here anytime...
DeleteAwesome! Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThanks, you too!
DeleteWhat a fun photo of the family! And a big project. Just in time for a Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beth!
DeleteSuch pretty fall colors! Just in time for Thanksgiving! Hope you have a great holiday!
ReplyDeleteI hope you did as well, Jackie!
DeleteWow, that's a major project to tackle yourselves. Ivan is fearless - careful but fearless. What a massive change, and valuable real estate for you!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving. Great photo of y'all
Thanks Gerhard, hope you & your family had fun :)
DeleteCongratulations! I concur, always best to remove as many branches as possible before felling to minimize the damage. Great job! And, Ha! I'd love to find a tulip poplar to plant in our yard. I actually had a seedling a few years ago, but it died over the summer due to drought.
ReplyDeleteIt IS a great tree, slight guilt over the whole thing. However, you gotta do what feels right!
DeleteAlla fine è stato un taglio pulito e quasi a perdite zero! Non è mai facile eliminare un interno albero in mezzo ad un giardino! Complimenti!
ReplyDeleteTi mando un caro saluto e un augurio di ottimo inverno!
Thank you, a great winter to you and yours as well!
DeleteGreat progress with the tree and I bet your neighbour was happy as it gave her more light. I agree it did not fit with your garden pplans and now you have continuity
ReplyDeleteThank you, :)
Delete