Nov 05, 2020
Busy with a huge project
As we are not going south to the land of sun and heat we have decided to invest that money into something we would not have been able to do otherwise. We have no choice but to stay home so now is the time to get on with the big project.
It started with selling our wooden arbour and gate. Thinking no one would want it I priced it at $25.00. I had five people wanting it.
The entrance to our yard looks bare. Each time we left the yard we went to shut the gate that was no longer there.
Next Colin had to rip out the three foot high plastic mesh fencing that we had to put in to keep the girls in the yard. That included removing the rebar across the bottom as well as every few feet keeping it in place. The hedge has grown since we purchased this place back in May of 2009. It was a visible struggle for Colin to pull it out.
We have 142′ of cedar hedge and one Alberta Spruce in the corner. I was looking forward to decorating this tree with lights and Christmas baubles. When we had our few days of cold and snow back in October, I so enjoyed seeing the snow on top of the cedars and on the branches of the this tree.
Part one of this project is to remove all 142′ of the cedar hedge. This is one of the first cuts on Friday, October 30th. I had tears in my eyes. I love my hedge and my privacy. We have been told that we likely only have two or three more years before the hedge dries up. We moved here in 2003 ( across the road ) and this hedge was there then. You can see how very little green there is on each side and the top. The rest is dead and very dry.
Quite the mess for just this short section.
There goes my Christmas tree.
We had a two man crew, the fellow cut the hedges and between him and his tiny female partner, they dragged the trees over and she ran the grapple to guide the trees into the chipping machine.
They moved quickly and made a huge mess. We were quoted to cut the trees, chip them and grind the stumps. At this point Colin and I realized that there was no way we could get this cleaned up in two days ( before part two started ) never mind two weeks. I called the office and asked if they could clean the debris up for us. It cost us an extra $600.00 but it was worth every penny.
Not even halfway there. It was a very cool morning made even colder with the wind whipping off the lake. That tall tree of ours was bending in half at times due to wind gusts.
You can see the wood chips spewing out of the machine into the truck. We did manage to fill that truck to the brim.
Almost the end. This was the tree that we had the duck nest in back in the spring. I wonder what mamma is going to due next spring.
Blowing the debris away to expose the stumps. All that dark brown is from the dried cedar tree innards.
We are now fully exposed and naked to the world.
This stump grinder is bigger than some cars.
Once he started on the straight narrow area down to the lake, I began to hear pings in the windows. We are floor to ceiling windows for a length of 44 feet. We got him to stop until we came up with this table to block the tiny pea gravel from flying into our windows. You can see mid screen how the stump is being shredded.
Quite the difference from the fourth photo from the top. From total privacy to full exposure. The next day Colin did a full day of further clean up.
So that is why I haven’t posted for a few days. So much happening at this time as we try to stay ahead of the next snow fall. I just counted and I have 12 folders of photos which means 12 more blogs to write but just no time. Not to worry I intend to write each of those post plus more – just at my own speed. I think that I might be slowing down. Age or relaxation, who knows?
<< Older Posts Home Newer Posts >>
Oh my, Contessa…Your home looks naked; are U guys planning to plant new trees ? Without all those privacy shrubs it must feel like living in a fishbowl.
My regards: Lucy.
Naked describes it perfectly. Fishbowl is also good. I am keeping my blinds down. Stayed tuned for the next part of the project.
Your hedge was so beautiful, you would never know it was dying.
Wow!!! Such a difference, what’s next? Can’t wait to see what is coming. You two never stop, I guess that’s what keeps you young.
love reading your Blogg,
Catheline
Cedar hedges are great chameleons. But such a fire hazard. Correct we never stop and personally I am tired of that. I need more R & R. Remind of that mid winter:)
Wow that was a shock! It is sad to see your beautiful hedge gone but I can’t wait to see what the next step is 🙂
A shock to me as well and I knew it was going to happen. I really miss our hedge.
Quite a different view of your lot. Cedars actually live longer then most let you believe and are only Green on the outer branches and brown empty on the Inside.
Be Safe and Enjoy your changing environment.
It’s about time.
This here has been here at least 25 years and is definitely a fire hazard.
A massive change for sure – can’t wait to see what the replacement looks like. Getting the extra help certainly was worthwhile.
That extra shall was worth every penny. Three people for three hours = 9 hours of our sore backs, etc.
Wow, that is a huge project! We feel the same way with it getting dark so early. It feels like bedtime and we look at the clock it isn’t even 8:00 yet!
I don’t think many realize exactly how much 142 feet is. If we had to cut it down and put it into bins, it would have taken over 60 yards of space not to mention hours of physical energy. As to the time change I am still struggling.
Oh my! That is a BIG change!! What are u going to do there? They did a great job tho!!
You will just have to keep checking back Dolores to find out the que pasa of it all. They did a good job. Colin still spent all of Saturday picking up stuff.
Wow looks so different without the hedge! Bare naked I bet you can hear all lot more sounds can’t wait to see what’s next.
Bare naked is a perfect description Everything has been delayed. Stay tuned.
That is quite the project! I am sure it will look great
when it is finished!
We hope so but I really love my hedge.
So Contessa you were secretly planning a big project and now we are wondering what you had in mind. Most comments were that the yard looks a bit bare compared to the privacy hedge you had. Maybe a wooden fence or another shed are being considered? Looking forward to the updates. BTW, Benno and I would have had fun rolling up our sleeves and to tackle the job of cutting the hedge and cleanup as we love outdoor jobs.
No not secretly planning. Actually it was a rather quick decision. I think that it would have taken you and Beno a few weeks to complete this task. We had 48 hours. Swe did not have the luxury of time.