Backyard Tree Makeover: What We Learned Removing 17 Trees (Before & After)

A real-life backyard transformation and what we learned along the way.

When we bought our fixer-upper, one of the first things we noticed was the overwhelming number of trees on the property, seventeen in total! At first glance, it felt lush… but it didn’t take long to realize our yard wasn’t thriving; it was struggling.

If your yard feels overgrown, unmanageable, or just “off,” you’re not alone. Sometimes what looks like abundance is actually holding your space back.

Here’s what we learned as we transformed our overgrown yard into a healthy, beautiful space we truly enjoy today.

Before: An Overgrown and Unstable Yard

The front yard was part of a tree line that followed our county road, but unfortunately, most of the trees weren’t the kind you’d want to keep. They were fast-growing, softwood species with short lifespans and brittle branches.

They looked wild and unkempt, and several were clearly on their last leg.

Storm Damage and a Wake-Up Call

Before we even moved in, a bad ice storm hit, scattering large branches across the yard and blocking our driveway. It was a mess and an early sign that these trees weren’t just unattractive… they were unsafe.

One tree near our front door looked like it belonged in a jungle, not a suburban neighborhood!

The Big Decision: Removing 17 Trees

In the backyard stood a massive cottonwood tree. Known for being weak, fast-growing, and short-lived, it was a disaster waiting to happen. This kind of project is definitely an investment, but for us, it was worth every bit for the safety and long-term value it added.

It towered far beyond our comfort zone (and our DIY capabilities), so we brought in the professionals. A tree service arrived with a boom truck that reached over our detached garage to safely remove it.

While they were there, we had them trim every tree on the property. That bought us a few more years, three, to be exact, before the trees truly reached the end of their rope. By then, they were barely hanging on through harsh winters and blazing summers.

At that point, we knew it was time to make a bigger change.

 Starting Fresh: Planting for the Future

We decided winter was the right time to move forward. With the help of expert arborists, we selected new trees that were native and well-suited to our soil and climate.

On removal day, one crew cleared away all the old trees and stumps.

A few days later, they returned with seven beautiful new trees!

Here’s what we planted:

Front Yard

• Three Pistachio trees
• One Shumard Oak on the boulevard

Backyard

• Three Cedar Elm trees

The Cedar Elms were a perfect fit, tough, adaptable shade trees that thrive in a variety of soil conditions and are safe for our septic system.

A Beautiful Surprise: Bringing Life Back to Our Yard

We also had a large Crepe Myrtle near the house that gave wonderful summer shade, but sadly, it didn’t survive one of our colder winters.

We replaced it with a Blue Vitex tree, and the following spring, something magical happened.

Its vibrant blue blossoms attracted monarch butterflies and bumblebees in droves.

After doing a little research, I discovered that we live directly in the migration path of the monarchs! They pass through our neighborhood each spring on their way north, and again in the fall heading south.

One of my favorite parts of this transformation is how much life it brought back to our yard.

 

The Results: 7 Years Later

It’s hard to believe it’s been seven years since we planted our new trees. When they first went in, they looked so small, but wow, have they grown!

• The Cedar Elms in our backyard are now tall and lush, casting generous shade
• The Pistachio trees out front are filling in beautifully
• And the Shumard Oak has had a major growth spurt and is becoming a true showstopper

For a while, after removing the original trees, our yard felt bare, like it was missing something.

But today, we couldn’t be happier.

Not only do our new trees add beauty and curb appeal, but they’ve also increased the value of our home and brought new life to our outdoor space.

What We Learned From This Backyard Makeover

Looking back, here are a few things we wish we had fully understood from the beginning:

• Fast-growing trees aren’t always the best long-term choice
• Waiting too long to remove unhealthy trees can lead to damage and safety concerns
• Choosing native, well-suited trees makes all the difference
• A yard may look “full,” but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy
• Planning for the future is just as important as fixing the present

Thinking About Your Own Backyard Makeover?

If you’re dealing with an overgrown yard or aging trees, here are a few things to consider:

• Are your trees healthy, or just surviving?
• Are they adding value to your space or creating risk?
• Would fewer, better-suited trees actually improve your yard?
• Is it time to bring in a professional for an assessment?

Sometimes, the hardest decision, removing what’s not working, is what allows something better to grow.

 

✔️ Backyard Makeover Quick Checklist

• Assess the health of your trees
• Consider long-term growth and maintenance
• Remove trees that are unsafe or poorly suited
• Choose native or climate-appropriate replacements
• Think about shade, spacing, and future size
• Plan before you plant

 

Final Thoughts

Nature rewards patience.

Looking out at our tree-lined yard today is a reminder that even big, difficult changes can lead to something beautiful. What once felt overwhelming is now one of our favorite parts of our home, and it was absolutely worth it.

If you enjoyed seeing how our backyard transformation came together, you might also love how we completely changed the look of our home’s exterior.

👉 Take a look at our brick-to-Austin-stone transformation here.