On Sunday I got the garden itch {finally} and decided to pull out the tape measure to find out just how big of a vegetable garden was possible on the upper lawn. I was surprise to find out I’ll be able to install a 10′ x 45′ rectangular plot up there. 450 square feet. Not to shabby.
My goal is to break ground in early January and {fingers crossed} create a mini Monticello type garden. Yes, there is a lot of shade, but since I plan on growing all my tomatoes, beans and peas in pots next year, along side the house where it’s nice and sunny, I think I’ll be okay.
The side yard however is another story. See where I’m standing? I plan to straighten the path out first, then add a gate and then install a perennial flower garden along the side of the house. 
But the pine and cedar trees are dropping needles left and right!!! Holy cow, they won’t let up. It’s insane. So much so that I am thinking about calling the tree guy to get a bid on removing the 6 trees that line the inner path between the garden and the house. I DO LOVE A WOODED SETTING, but c’mon, I can’t be raking up 2 wheelbarrows full of brush every single week. No way man.
I will admit though, living in the middle of a forest will be great for my blueberry plants. 😉 They LOVE the acidic soil and I know they’ll just thrive on the other side of yard once I get them planted. But first, I’ve got a few weeds to pull.
Keep calm and garden on, right?
~Mavis
P.S. What do you think about removing some of the pine and cedar trees? The limbs have already trimmed about 12-16 off the ground by the previous owner. But I think I need more light. And a break from raking.
rita whitt says
Will your HOA let you cut down trees? Some don’t. Personally I would not cut trees. I also wouldn’t rake the needles. They are a natural mulch and in some parts of the US people pay for bags of what you want to get rid of. I’d just rethink the garden and plant what I can where I can. You’ll have to rethink your definition of a garden just like I did when we moved from FL to TX. Some things I love just don’t grow here. So be it..
Sue V says
That’s the perfect spot for your blueberries! I wouldn’t take down any of the trees, they look nice. Do you have a nice leaf blower? That makes quick work of those pine needles.
Cecily says
I agree that removing a couple trees for more light would be a good idea, however you might want to make sure your HOA will allow it.
Janet says
I think I’d choose moving the path over removing the trees. You could add pavers to the path to make sweeping/blowing easier. The pine needles could also save you money on decorative mulch elsewhere in the yard, or even along the path.
Diana says
I don’t think you should straighten out the path or remove the trees. A winding path makes for a more ‘magical’ walk. The most interesting gardens have winding paths that can take you to hidden spots. As for the trees, take advantage of the needle drop and use them as the material for the pathway in that area. The only thing you’d have to keep ‘clean’ are the rocks or other material you’re using to line the sides of the path. Those are gorgeous trees. I think the aesthetics – and your property value – would suffer if you took them down.
Tracy L. says
I say take down the trees. But that’s me. I love light, I want my plants to have the best chance they can, and someone said its cheaper to take them down now while they are smaller. I HATE NEEDLES!! We recently got a puppy (your fault/inspiration Mavis!!). I figured if you could deal with a dog and OCD issues, so could I! But the needles she tracks in make me nuts!!!!!!
Pamela says
I would keep the trees, but I can’t imagine them not driving you absolutely crazy. Our pine trees shed all. the. time. If you need it neat and tidy, you will be insane!
Diane says
I think it would be a shame (I used the more gentle of the two words that came to mind, the other being “crime!”) to cut down the trees!
I have cedars, and live with the needles. I even live with the biannual seeds (true cedars have female and male trees, and the females form those “wooden roses” every two years). Why rake up the needles? They soften the path and look pretty. It’s a lovely wooded area, path and all. When you take a walk in the woods the paths are covered with needles and leaves. And, as you say, acid-lovers will be happy.
If you have no fence, what’s the gate for? I love how the path meanders.
It sounds like you might have bought the wrong house! First the major remodel and now the yard?
Bea says
Hi Mavis,
It seems like a lot to rake the dropped needles, however, I also have a row of cedar trees and find that they “shed” big time once a year, in late fall. It seems like forever, but it’s only about a month. I vote to keep the trees this year and if you find it’s really too much work – then next year make the decision. Your home and yard is lovely. I enjoy reading you every day. Thanks for all the tips and by the way, I made your banana bread again yesterday and only 2 slices are left. Must hide them!
Mavis Butterfield says
Thanks for your comment, I had no idea cedar trees only shed once a year. I was very worried I would have to keep up with the mess all year long.
ilona says
If you seriously consider moving any trees, I suggest you consult a tree expert first to see how those types generally fare under those circumstances … like Bea said, it’s usually a short time during the year the shedding occurs and they are good for mulch and if you still have too much, sell it or give it away … side business maybe? Just rake the needles into a strategic location and let folks haul them away on their own. Once those trees are gone, they are gone; and they are so lovely … might want to cycle through at least one full year at the property to see what the already-present,different growths do … I always say any living thing needs constant attention: kids, plants, trees, pets … Nice looking yard! : )
Veni says
Keep the trees. They look healthy and gorgeous, plus they add interest to the garden. The only trees I have ever removed are Leyland cypress, big maple and crooked trees. The pine needles take care of mulching themselves. Just pick up the fallen branches or broken twigs once in a while to keep the area clean and you will be fine
janet says
Mavis, If this was my yard I would for sure take out the fir trees along the edge of your planned garden. The lower limbs were cut off anyway which ruins their natural shape. I do tomatoes in large pots along a fence, reflected light and heat and they love it!
I love your ideas and plans!
Carry on girl scout!
sarah says
I would have some come and look at the trees, make sure they are healthy and not dangering any property if there were high winds. I’m an east coaster and the mess Sandy left in my yard is crazy. we have a wooded acre so some of the damage is hidden. but we did have some trees handled while being told which one might be of concern in the next few years. then once you have an idea of the health and issues, arrange the garden according.
Cheri says
NO WAY!! Those trees are beautiful!! That would be VERY sad!!
Leslie says
I’d say lose the pines, and keep the cedars. But really, I bet the tree contractor will have some strategies to increase light and decrease clean up.
Vylotte says
I love my flower cutting garden, I bet you’ll love yours too! As for the trees, I *think* when your property is appraised, they count the number of mature trees and assign a $ amount to them. So if they’re gone, that’s a ding against your property value, so factor that into the cost of removing them. Also, you may need a permit from the city, if it’s considered green space.
Laura says
I suggest you live with the trees for at least a year. See how they do each season. You may find that the shade is beneficial during some seasons and that the beauty of the trees can’t be replaced. The dropping needles should lessen and if you still want to remove them that will be an option, replacing full grown trees may not be. Either way, I’m excited to see what you do with the new space!
Helen in Meridian says
I say remove the trees. You know what you want, and you quickly make changes. I say remove them now so your can build your Monticello. Go ahead and take them out, so you can have your garden gate. It is easier to deal with the HOA after you take the trees out. What can they do but maybe scold and fine you. Just be the innocent??? girl who thought it was OK to chop down a tree like Washington, but in Washington.
Mavis Butterfield says
I love you Helen. 🙂
Tisha says
First, I would live with it a while before making a decision that cannot be reversed. I would want to notice all the little nuances of the area first. Then, if you feel you really must, I would compromise and maybe take out only 3 of the trees first.
Caroline says
I would never think about removing those trees for one second. You are sitting on a gold mine of free mulch–and nice looking mulch at that! Beats leaves by a long shot. What I wouldn’t do for a few pine trees! I’ve got oaks, pecans, sycamore, etc, but no pines. Put an ad on Craigslist and people will buy the needles off you…even rake them up! Keep em!
Lorraine says
In the Northwest most of the needles are fir and hemlock and they are very slow to decompose. They really don’t make a good mulch like leaves do and they drop all year long unlike leaves that drop, get raked up and start to decompose. It was a joke in our neighborhood that if you bought new carpeting you took needles into the store to see which carpet they blended in with. It was a constant battle to keep them out of the house thanks to the dog.
Lorraine says
After living surrounded by firs, hemlocks and cedars for 30 years we finally moved to a house with no large trees and I love it. Over the years the trees grew so much taller that they literally blocked all the sun from our yard and nothing but rhodys would grow. It was a constant battle to keep the yard raked and the roof cleaned off after each wind storm. If you don’t rake up the needles eventually your yard is just a blanket of needles. Do check with your HOA. They probably have strict rules for tree removal. You might be able to bargain by replacing the large needle-type trees with smaller, slow-growing trees. I don’t blame you for wanting the large ones taken down and good luck!
Judy says
Mavis the professional landscapers would tell you.. don’t touch anything major in a garden such as chopping down beautiful trees
Until you’ve lived there a complete year to see what everything does in the landscape with every season. That’s a major thing cutting down those trees. They only shed once a year. I think it would be a big mistake plus those blueberry plants are going to love that acidic mulch.
Have to say I’m with the majority here..stay green Mavis.
Becky Horst says
Last year we cut down an entire row of pine trees just like yours to make room and sun for our garden. I agree the needles were terrible to keep up after. So go ahead I give you my blessing 😉 it’s your yard for crying out loud do what you want!