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Trude | profile | all galleries >> my_back_yard >> garden_tours_and_gardening >> killed_our_curbside_lawn tree view | thumbnails | slideshow
First, we removed the liquid amber tree
First, we removed the liquid amber tree		 Notice water meter upraised. Roots began sprouting everywhere.
Notice water meter upraised. Roots began sprouting everywhere.		 It took 2.5 months to remove all roots, many as thick as our arms and thighs
It took 2.5 months to remove all roots, many as thick as our arms and thighs		 Thanksgiving week I dug 3 feet down thru clay and rocks to loosen soil
Thanksgiving week I dug 3 feet down thru clay and rocks to loosen soil
I bought plants from Tree of Life Nursery and Back to Natives Restoration
I bought plants from Tree of Life Nursery and Back to Natives Restoration		 Christmas Day: final section of planting
Christmas Day: final section of planting		 I selected Calif native plants that take low water, full sun, low height, present year-round, and variety flower colors
I selected Calif native plants that take low water, full sun, low height, present year-round, and variety flower colors		 Added bark to hold in moisture while plants grow
Added bark to hold in moisture while plants grow
Our curbside looks so much better, will take water 2x summer and none in winter, and benefits wildlife!
Our curbside looks so much better, will take water 2x summer and none in winter, and benefits wildlife!

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Guest 03-Jan-2013 23:16
THANK GOODNESS WE FOUND A WAY TO SAVE OUR LIQUID AMBER. MICHAELANN SAID SHE WOULD CHAIN HERSELF TO IT SO WE HAD NO CHOICE. WE NOW HAVE LOTS OF SUCCULENTS THAT HAVE LITTLE OR NO ROOTS AND TAKE ALMOST NO WATER IN THE FRONT YARD SURROUNDING THE TREE. I COULD NOT BREAK MY BACK AGAIN.IT IS A GOOD THING THAT YOU ARE YOUNG! CC
Linda 27-Dec-2012 14:15
We're now bonded in an even more rooted way - liquid amber, that is. I wish John were here to back me up with stories of my spending hours with our pick ax in the wee hours Sat. & Sun. mornings over a two-three year period to remove the meandering arteries that remained after we took down our beloved liquid amber ten years ago. Did I ever mention we had a street party to celebrate its beauty? I can finally say it's "gone" and the year-round colorful lantana, Mexican sage, and bouganvillea that wows everyone as they drive down our street, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds and uses very little water has made neighbors happy. Thanks for writing about your project - it brought back sweet memories, and an even sweeter "now".
Trude27-Dec-2012 02:24
Oh, I have such CRUEL friends! No, I am not picking up a shovel for awhile since this was such a labor-intensive job because of the tree roots. I will just do a few fill ins here and there this winter. Last winter, I replaced all non-natives in the planter in front of the living room window with 2 short-growing manzanitas, lots of yarrow and coral bells, and wildflowers. I also planted the neighboring strip along the right with bush sunflower, ceanothus, bladderpod, bush mallow, and california poppy. The backyard needs attention, but I am out of money now. I can't wait for the bluebirds to nest again this spring!
Guest 26-Dec-2012 14:51
Do you two hire out? It was such a project!

Cheers, Carolyn
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