Thanks everyone for your support about my case for taking down just one more tree in our yard! Update: I managed to convince my husband that we SHOULD take it down... someday, but not now. He insists for safety reasons that we should have it done professionally. How annoyingly practical and responsible of him! Anyway, I think if I prepare myself over the next year (and save up some gardening budget) I might be able to stomache spending over $600 next year to take it down, then deal with the wood and stump myself. I KNOW I would love the results and the garden would be happier for it!
I was hoping someone out there would say they would take it down for me in exchange for $600 worth of garden coaching... but no such luck!
I also agree with Ms. S's comment about scale, but with 4 other towering spruce in the front yard, my house will still look out of scale! They do insulate the house from wind a lot more than smaller trees would though, so they're not all bad.
As for Paula's warning about my kids coming home with more spruce trees when they're each in Grade 1, I think if I trade them for a perennial that flowers in their favourite colour I will be safe!
I wish that I would have thought of the "big trade". Maybe there is still time! BTW I have just found you and have enjoyed your garden commentary. Looking forward to watching your new front garden as I plant my new front garden-which is a lot bigger than I remember!
Posted by: Paula H | March 09, 2009 at 06:04 PM
How exciting! Now you have time to dream about what you want to plant there. :)
Posted by: The Ms. S. | March 10, 2009 at 09:06 PM
Thanks Paula! I have some more thoughts on the rest of my front garden too so I will post on that soon.
And yes, Ms. S., I suppose I have more time to dream about what I want to put in the spot that my spruce will eventually vacate. But I already know, of course! I've been thinking about it for years which is why it's so hard to wait just one more year... Oh well, I have other projects in mind that will keep me busy this year. More soon,
Janice
Posted by: Janice | March 11, 2009 at 08:51 AM
CGC,
If you're going to remove the stump yourself (Much better than grinding it), I recommend getting a "Contruction bar". It's 5' heavy iron bar with a sharp end, and makes quick work of digging any hole. They're about $20 at Totem.
Enriched by your blog as always,
DS.
Posted by: Daniel Swan | March 22, 2009 at 02:17 PM
Thanks for the tip, Daniel! Now my husband will have even less excuse...
Janice
Posted by: Janice | March 23, 2009 at 02:38 PM