During our first weekend as homeowners of the Underdog, we had some lumberjacks professional tree cutters {Ironically, one guy was named Phil Wood. I couldn’t have chosen a better tree trimmer’s name myself.} come out and remove all the trees and shrubs that were either 1) dead or 2) precariously close to the house. Cutting down 50-year-old trees that are 25-50 feet tall is beyond the scope of our DIYing skills. Here’s what the Underdog looked like upon closing last week…
{front yard}
{backyard}
…and here’s what the Underdog looks like this week minus dead trees and trees that would crush our little house if they were ever to blow over…
{don’t mind the white trash mess on the back patio}
The tree trimmers also ground up the stumps and roots of the trees that were removed. Hopefully, it will help the lot and house to dry up a bit and deter future termites.
We opted to keep a large oak that sits closer to the road in the front yard. The back side of the tree {closest to the house} is kind of bare. The tree trimmers said it was because the other trees were crowding it and that it should fill out now that it has room to breathe.
We also kept 2 redbuds near the driveway/side yard.
And we left the tree line at the back of the property as-is.
With most of the trees gone at the front of the house, you can actually see the entrance now.
A walkway wraps around the garage from the driveway to the front door. I love that the garage {left} and far bedroom {right} jut out from the rest of the house. It gives the ranch a little more depth instead of just being one continuous flat facade.
{That’s Everett peeking in the window. Would you believe I forgot my key to the new house on this particular day?!}
The front door needs a major curb appeal intervention. The storm door is so loud and heavy!
There’s a crooked paver patio just left of the front door. It’s overgrown with weeds.
Our home inspector said the concrete planter full of mulch is just asking for termites. I could see a really easy succulent garden filling up the planter without the need for mulch. Hmmm…
The tree removal revealed a few unique quirks about the house too. Not that we didn’t notice them before, but now they’re pretty evident.
Like this corner of roof that was repaired 2.5 years ago when Hurricane Ike hit. We learned from neighbors that another oak tree {one that we had removed} dropped a branch on the house during the storm, crushing this corner of the roof.
There are parts of gutter pulled away from the roof. And check out these wooden shutters…
Next time I go visit the Underdog I’m going to remember my 1) key and 2) crow bar. Those uglies have to go! There were some nice discoveries as well…
…like a mature lilac bush that just needs a little pruning…
…some Lily of the Valley that I’m vowing to salvage and transplant throughout the yard.
There are a few rose bushes. I’m anxious to see what color blooms they yield. The property has several crowded, overgrown perennial beds that I’m itching to clean up. I in no way possess a green thumb, but I figure if these plants can survive through years of neglect then I might actually have a chance with them! They’ve gotta be pretty hardy.
Layne worked on his ‘courtyard’ while Everett and I walked around and took pictures. He constructed it out of random findings: loose bricks, broken downspout, old flower container and rusty, wire garden border.
So, that’s what’s new with the Underdog. I know I’ll probably catch some flak for cutting down trees but, if it makes it any better, we do plan on adding a few daintier, ornamental trees at some point.
Maybe one where the front walkway meets the driveway and another at the far right corner of the house for balance.
The tree removal and stump/root grinding cost us $4,200. Ouch. But it had to be done and it had to be done by professionals. We were able to save $600 by giving the cut wood to a neighbor who has a wood burning fireplace instead of having it hauled away. So getting rid of the trees wasn’t all that bad. At least someone else is able to use the wood.
images: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking
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