The Bradford Pears had to go. We knew they had to go. I’ve mentioned it on here before. Vince hates them . . I moderately don’t like them and if they would just stand up and be strong and not break and split and fall on the deck and the driveway and across the road, I would have interceded on their behalf but . . I know they are invasive and not trustworthy trees.
This is the tree on the right side of the driveway. It’s the one that had already had a branch break off and was blocking the driveway when we arrived Thursday.
There was one equally as big on the left side. Here it is now.
Sad! Really sad. So sad it makes me want to cry. The tree cutters will be back tomorrow to cut more trees and grind all the stumps down. Vince and I were out talking to the main guy and he said “Any idea what you want to plant to replace them? ” I said “Artichokes” and he busted out laughing. I was totally serious. Then Vince started laughing. Four or five artichokes growing out there in a big cluster .. that would be beautiful and they will produce food!
Most winters artichokes would be fine here but occasionally, we’d lose them and have to start over so I’ll probably plant them somewhere else . . not quite so front and center.
Then I decided on cherry trees. More snickering from the “experts”. The final decision: Whatever I’m planting needs to be done when the tree cutters are gone and when I’m here alone! I think cherry trees are a good choice but obviously I don’t know what I’m talking about.
Those guys worked super hard all day and will be back today.
There were two big Capital Pears by the back deck. They cut one and trimmed the other so that if (and I probably should say WHEN) it splits and falls, it will be away from the house.
Another spot that looks like very bare.
Today they will cut a couple more trees, finish trimming three or four others, grind down the stumps and I think that’s it for them.
Two guys were also here today replacing siding that no one seems to know what happened but it appears that it melted — maybe burning leaves got out of hand . . not sure but that got done.
Deck guys came out and looked at our deck.
The deck needs work. We knew that it did. There are some boards that need to be replaced – maybe five. But, the guys were telling us that the wood they get now is so different from the wood that’s already on the deck, the new wood is going to shrink and curl and always look like replacement boards. Because the deck is so dry, they said if they refinish it now, they’ll probably have to refinish it again in the spring and we’ll probably have to refinish it again every couple of years so we decided to go with the Trex composite decking. We had it at the house in MO before and it was so nice. It rains a lot here, it stays humid; in the winter, the snow and ice keep the boards wet so using the Trex will mean we shouldn’t ever have to deal with maintenance.
I think . . other than the gas line for the stove, that should be all we have to do in the near future.
Carolyn says
we have bradford pear trees in the front. Someone decided to plant them in front of all the houses in our subdivision. It’s beautiful in the spring w all the (stinky) flowers blooming. But in the fall the fruits fall and get dragged into the house! Nasty stuff… I’d be happy to see them go to.
Tracy says
You may want to check out AZEK decking products. We used it for our decking ten years ago, and I am still pleased with how it looks and how it has held up to the weather.
Judy Laquidara says
Thanks! I’ll mention that to Vince. He and the guy doing the work will make that call.
Tee says
We have Trex and it has held up just fine, except for the squirrel that thinks it is wood and likes to gnaw on one part. You would think once it didn’t taste good, he would stop. Maybe he is sharpening his teeth on it. Thankfully, the damage is in a part we do not see every day. Otherwise, there would be a trap out there…
Judy Laquidara says
I can’t remember if we had many squirrels in Nevada or not but I didn’t think about a squirrel chewing on it. We’ll have to pay attention to that. Thanks!
Marcie says
Here in Fort Wayne, IN we have a lot of Bradford pears, that are lovely when flowering in the spring. They are gradually being replaced in city areas, though. I know my neighbor is extremely allergic to them. My goal in planting or replacing trees is to find something that turns a good color in the fall and does not drop any fruit on the lawn, driveway, or sidewalk. We all have priorities – what will yours be for out front?
Judy Laquidara says
My goal with just about everything I plant is that it has to produce something to eat. My preference will be cherry but far enough from the driveway that, for the most part, fruit isn’t dropped on the concrete driveway. Vince and the landscape guy will probably decide on something and I’ll put my cherry trees somewhere else.
Paula Nordt says
Hope the trees didn’t cost you an arm and a leg. We are having 9 thirty-five year old oaks and 8 pecan trees trimmed in November and it’s costing close to $3,000.
Sara Fridley says
You will chose something to replace those pears that will bring you joy, I’m sure. Pretty and food producing?
We had an arborist here this morning to spray for bugs in our 40+ pine trees. That was a big job. We have 1 big old ash tree in the back yard – too close to the house – that I want to have removed, but my husband keeps over ruling me. But if that tree falls to the house it could destroy the whole back of the house because it’s huge. But it’s always sad to lose a tree.
Arrowhead Gramma says
I have a TREX deck that was installed about four years ago. It is wonderful – no maintenance and always looks good. Living with the four seasons at 5,200 altitude, it has seen it all – sunshine, rain, hail and lots of snow. Really easy to shovel the snow off of it compared to a wooden slat deck.
Judy Laquidara says
Thank you! That’s what I was remembering about our Trex decking in Nevada, MO.
Ruth says
Summer sun can make a dark colored composite deck so hot that you don’t want to go out on it at all. Our neighbors in Virginia found that out. They didn’t have any trees or shade on their dark brown deck.
You two are certainly getting everything taken care of Early!! Impressive.
Linda in NE says
Maybe some nice shrubs out by the end of the driveway would be nice. Something that blooms & smells nice. The bradford pears are pretty when they bloom, but I always think they smell like something that’s been dead for a while. Our daughter’s current house had one in front & one in the back. Come to think, I believe they are both gone now.