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! 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, with several clearly on their last leg.
Storm Damage and a Jungle in the Front Yard
Before we even moved in, a bad ice storm hit, scattering large branches across the yard and blocking our driveway. It was a mess.
One tree in particular—right near our front door—looked like it belonged in a jungle, not a suburban neighborhood!
In the backyard stood a massive cottonwood tree. Known for being weak, fast-growing, and short-lived, it was a disaster waiting to happen. It towered far beyond our comfort zone (and our DIY capabilities), so we brought in the pros. A tree service arrived with a boom truck that reached over our detached garage to safely remove the cottonwood.
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.
Saying Goodbye to the Old, and Planting for the Future
We decided winter was the right time to make the big change. 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 came out to clear 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 and one Shumard Oak on the boulevard
- Backyard: Three Cedar Elm trees—ideal for our area and safe for our septic system
The Cedar Elms are tough, adaptable shade trees that thrive in all types of soil. They were a perfect match for our yard.
We also had a large Crepe Myrtle near the house that offered wonderful summer shade, but sadly it didn’t survive one of our colder winters. We replaced it with a Blue Vitex tree. The following spring, its vibrant blue blossoms surprised us with a magical visit—monarch butterflies and bumblebees flocked to the tree in droves.
After some research, I discovered 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.
Fast Forward: 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 have become tall and lush, casting generous shade across the yard.
- The Pistachio trees out front are really filling in and starting to add character to our landscape.
- And the Shumard Oak on the boulevard? It had a major growth spurt this past year and is turning into a real showstopper.
We were sad to remove the original trees. For a while, our yard felt bare—like it was missing something. But now, with healthy, thriving trees in place, we couldn’t be happier. Not only do they add beauty and curb appeal, but they’ve also increased the value of our home and brought new life to our outdoor space.
Nature rewards patience, and looking out at our tree-lined yard today reminds us it was all worth it.
It is all beautiful! The yard/grass is gorgeous!