Our Huge (Back Yard) Oak Tree Is Gone!
We finally decided that the time had come to get rid of the huge oak tree in the back yard. This is the oak tree that was dangerously close to the house, and became even more of a concern after we had the carport built. I had hoped that we could keep it, but when it started dropping pretty big limbs (one of which poked a hole in the roof of the carport) and it began showing signs of rot, it had to go. That tree was so massive that it could have taken out half of our house had it fallen in that direction.
Here’s how it looked before they got started on Friday (ten days ago). This picture doesn’t do the tree justice because the leaves were only just starting to bud.
Here’s how it looked in the summer when we were having the carport built.
(Note: If you’re reading this post on any website other than Addicted 2 Decorating, that means you’re reading on a site that is stealing my blog content. I hope you’ll consider joining me on my actual blog by clicking here.)
This tree towered over our house, and was way more than double the height of the house. Here’s another picture of the tree on the day that they started cutting it down.
But here’s what it looked like with all of its leaves. This picture was taken when we were having the new siding put on the house.
I don’t think I appreciated just how enormous this tree was, and how much it covered the house. They brought their big wood chipper and put all of the limbs through the wood chipper. The trunks of the tree were cut into pieces and put onto the trailer to haul off, and I think it took them three trips to carry the massive trunk pieces away.
They worked an entire day on it, and this much remained.
They came back early on Monday morning to finish cutting down the rest of the trunk and grind the stump. I didn’t get to see this process because Matt was in the hospital. But I snapped some pictures that afternoon when I came home to get a few things for the hospital stay. Here’s the front of the house with the oak tree gone. It looks so bare now above the studio!
And here’s how it looks from the back. That area had been completely taken up by that enormous tree, so I never really realized how big that space was.
We’re either going to pour more concrete there, or I’ll find some smooth pavers that Matt’s wheelchair can travel over easily, so that we can put an outdoor eating area there. Matt is quite excited about having an easily accessible outdoor dining area where we can enjoy our lunches.
The carport never got painted (oops!), so hopefully I can do that this year to finish up the area. Of course, the back of our house will never look nice until we tear down that sunroom and add on. But finishing up the paint on the carport will go a long way to making this end of the back of the house look more cohesive and finished.
But you can see here just how big that area is. There’s plenty of room for a table and some chairs.
It changed the look pretty drastically. And while I was sad to see such a huge oak tree go, I have to say that I feel a whole lot safer now. Until now, every time we’d have a thunderstorm and/or strong winds, I’d just hold my breath wondering if that tree was going to drop a huge branch on the house or the carport. Now when we have thunderstorms and/or strong winds, I can rest a bit easier. The total cost for that peace of mind came to $4500, and that included the $500 to grind the stump to about 12 inches below the surface of the soil. It wasn’t cheap, but I think it’s well worth the price.
On another note, I wanted to tell y’all that we have signed Matt up for home health care, which means that they will send a nurse out to check on him twice a week (so that we can hopefully head off any future sicknesses and avoid any future hospital stays), and they’ll also send a physical therapist to work with him twice a week.
I foresee this taking some pressure off of me in the future (since I will no longer have to be nurse or physical therapist for him), but while we’re trying to figure out schedules and how to work my schedule around them, and what part I’ll need to play in all of this, my posting schedule on the blog will probably be quite sporadic. I generally try to post by 11:00am on days that I’m going to post, but I’ve been working on this post since 8:00am (they came this morning to do all of the intake information and initial exam), and now noon has come and gone and I’m still working on it. 😀
So until we get things figured out, you may see posts from me at 7:00am, or 3:00pm, or even 11:00pm. I just have no idea what to expect. If you haven’t already, you can sign up below to get notifications in your email inbox every time I post something new. Hopefully we can figure out a regular schedule soon.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
The front view does look a little empty and naked, but that extra area in the back is gold! You’ll get use to the front view soon, and will have to pull up pictures to remember “what tree”.
Your new gym will come in handy for Matt when he starts PT.
I love the idea of a patio area for your backyard. We spend so much time on our patio almost all year around, even with Oklahoma weather.
Kristy, there may be an issue with the emails going out. When I get the notification and click the email link the URL looks like this:
https://www.addicted2decorating.com/our-huge-back-yard-oak-tree-is-gone.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=new_post_our_huge_back_yard_oak_tree_is_gone&utm_term=2021-03-29
Normally I get notified and click the shortcut to your home page that I have saved. Not sure what to do about that, but hope you get control back!
Happy to hear Matt is doing better and the tree is no longer causing stress. Excited to see what comes next for you both.
Oh Kristi, I am so happy to hear you will have home health! I know you and Matt are each others support but I think you will both enjoy having some help. I used to work with patients in the home and loved it. It can really help both of you! Just remember that if you are not comfortable with a particular nurse or therapist, you can request a different one! It is absolutely OK! Our personalities don’t always mesh with a client and a good rapport and trust is of the utmost importance!
Sending good wishes!
Sheila F.
So happy it looks like you’re getting everything on track for peace of mind and both Matt’s and your own health. Thinking of you and wishing you all things good!
Oh, I would have been so worried about that tree! I LOVE trees, but that one was SO close, and huge…it just HAD to go! Maybe this Spring you can plant a new tree in honor of it – not so close of course…and you will have fun planning a little patio to have lunch on with Matt.
It feels like a picnic to eat outside. We can’t do it year around – too hot in Florida…but we love it when the weather is nice. VERY relaxing too. And, WHENEVER your posts come it is always exciting and welcome. Also, so happy for Matt and you that you are getting some regular assistance and therapy. I know it will be great for both of you. So much good news!
Just an idea – keep some of the trunk pieces, if there are any left. We use a couple in our back garden – very handy if I want to seat and have a rest while gardening or to put my cup of coffee on it. If I find another suitable piece, would leave it in the garage for an year to dry, and would make a trunk side table to use somewhere in the house.
What a great space and I’m looking forward to see what you do with it! So glad Matt is recovering and that you both have allowed for some assistance. Post when it’s convenient for you. I’ll read it regardless of the time posted, lol!
I feel the same way, Kristy. Matt comes first THEN us.👍
Baby tree compared to the over 200 year old taken out of my front yard. The leaning oak right toward the house. Canopy was entire property. Now I have a front bay window missing because the rope broke on a limb that rocketed into the living room…yes they were insured. It’s expensive and now the front of my house is under construction.
So happy to see that everything is going well and thanks for the update on Matt. We’ve been praying for you both.
So glad you are getting some help for Matt AND you. I tried for years to get help for my mom who lived with my sister but sister refused ANY help & it really wore her down.
Yes, your home looks “naked” without that tree but safe is best. And that’s a great patio space!
May I suggest trying to find a male health pro. Having a “guy” to converse with makes a huge difference.
My acreage is wooded and, due to neglect by previous owners, I’ve had to remove some BIG OLD trees which broke my heart. Please consider planting a hardwood in an appropriate location…for a future owner. God bless the old-timers who planted oaks for their grandkids to enjoy.
I understand your nervousness when the wind blows…we had three very large ash trees removed last fall for the same reason…I was sad to lose the shade too but don’t worry about losing a piece of my house or even worse, having one fall on my neighbors house!
It always amazes me what it cost to have a tree taken down. However, the cost of leaving it up and having a Texas storm remove it for you would have been far greater no doubt.
I truly hope the new home care will be a blessing for both of you. It should also give you peace of mind and help you relax your mind so you can continue with your projects. You will both benefit and probably find you are both feeling a little less stress in your day to day life. Don’t worry about the blog….we all will still be here when you have time.
Wow! That tree was sooo close to the house. I hate having to literally kill any tree, but that big guy was a deathtrap and “Better ye than me” certainly fits. I’m looking forward to seeing your new outdoor dining area. As per your usual creativity, it will be fantastic. Tell Matt hello and I’m cheering for him.
I have had to remove 5 trees in the last 5 years. 4 were threatening the house. One of those was hit by lightning. The 5th one fell in a bad storm and took out or storage shed. I still have to get out there and retrieve some stuff. Mostly lumber and it is toast.
When you make the sitting area, consider planting some under story trees like dogwoods. Beautiful, somewhat shady but not a threat to the house. Perhaps some live oaks for the future, further away from the house.
That’s going to be such a lovely space to have lunches! Glad to hear Matt is on the mend.
Hate to see a tree go. You will really enjoy home health care. They are great here in Va.
What a good decision to have that tree removed. That will make a wonderful area for picnics! So glad that Matt (and you) will be receiving some help. Don’t worry about what time you send out your emails, you have much more important things to think about. Take care
Wow! That was one huge tree… I recall you had it trimmed back a couple years ago… or tried to? The tree guys ended up being flaky (that’s my memory…. could be wrong 😉) — anyway, been remembering you and Matt in my daily prayers.
Glad Matt is feeling better! That tree was massive! So happy it is gone…we had a similar situation and now I feel relieved. Whenever you do your emails we will all be happy to receive them…you and Matt are top priority! Love you style of decorating…I learn so much!
I bet you’ll enjoy the extra light in the back of your house!
Great decisions all around. Home healthcare is wonderful!! Any decision that reduces stress is a good one IMO! I have been following since 2013. I love this blog! Best wishes to Matt as he gains back goid health & endurance!
Kristi, did they drop a limb on the carport roof? It looks like a good sized hole on the tree side of the roof. I live in a forest of huge oak (and beech, maple and some pine). We have had some that came down in storms and a few we had to take down. We are on a first name basis with our tree guy. What is odd, is they say “strong like an oak”, but they are the only trees, both red and white oaks, that we have had problems with. Not my favorite tree. Glad to hear that Matt is doing better. Take care.
I think she mentioned in the post that the hole in the carport roof had happened prior to the tree removal.
I thought that happened a while ago, and perhaps this was a new one.
I HOPE Matt is on the road to recovery. I get excited anytime I see a post from you.
I like the clean look! And it will be so much easier for Matt to use that area near the house. BTW: Assuming you have great luck with the Therapist: This might also be a good moral booster for Matt who might find it easier to work on new therapy options with a “stranger” vs you who are always with him. I like the plan and don’t be shy about speaking with the Dr/firm if you need to change therapists as you feel necessary. Great choice and best of luck to you and Matt. (btw: Feb 2019 my husband & I (age 60+) got the flu (then pneumonia) and we were pretty much bedridden for 3 weeks. I had no idea how dangerous the flu can be be until we got it … and then Covid19 came around. There are very few cases of flu reported so glad your Dr. was able to correctly diagnose. The beauty of the pandemic means EVERYONE began to wash their hands and not sneeze on everyone like the olden days!!!
The bigger they are , the harder they fall! Glad your accepting the home health care! Just let them do their thing.! Yes, your home is in transition, but they will know how to work around that
I’m sorry you had to get rid of this beautiful old tree but when they become a danger to life and property, it is the only way. It is a totally different look to your home but I think you’ll enjoy that outdoor dining area and can plant your own vegetation for interest.
We have had to take many 100 year old trees out of our yard and it is always painful to say goodbye. We had a healthy-looking catalpa removed and found that it was rotted within to a frightening degree; a good south wind would have taken it (and our children’s bedrooms) out. Another healthy looking silver maple (5 foot diameter) totally split down the middle and fell across the driveway on a clear summer morning, just missing the neighbor boys returning from a camping trip. We plant replacement trees of a smaller ilk, hoping that no one’s life will be endangered. I know the expense is high to tree removal but I am glad it will not keep you awake worrying about it anymore.
Kristy, I’m so glad that Matt is getting better and you both get to relax more with the care you are getting him! I didn’t get any notification for your last post entry (the one about you both being ill), just wanted to let you know bc somebody else reported problems as well. I’m wishing Matt a speedy recovery and both of you a relaxed Easter. I love your plans for an outdoor sitting area and look forward to your DIY journey in that space 🙂 I am pretty sure that there is space enough in your backyard to plant a substitute tree away from the house if you feel like you want to do that. Oh and re your posting times: I gladly read your posts whenever you write them, so don’t put additional pressure on yourself!
So glad to hear Matt is doing so much better (after reading the whole scary ordeal in the last post!). The new open space is great! The empty space from the tree is sad, but something we did when we bought our house 9 years ago was plant 4 trees (we had none) from Lowes (we live a couple of hours southeast of Waco. One was a 55gal live oak (about $140 at the time) we planted in the front yard. The others were the little cheap $20 live oaks from Lowes in the backyard. After these seemingly short years we’ve lived here, the back trees have grown quickly and are QUITE large, shady and beautiful. You could always plant a $20 oak in a lovely spot in the backyard and safely away from the house – i don’t think you would regret it! So sad to lose the tree, but definitely not safe being so close to the house!
I would put in pavers over concrete initially. The underground roots are going to decay over time and the ground will sink, probably considerably since it was such a large tree. Pavers will be easier to deal with as the ground sinks.
There is a saying, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time? Today! Figure out what you’d like to see back there and get it planted as soon as you can.
I read you on the weekend, no time during the week. So post whenever, just keep posting!