Quote:
Originally Posted by jctx
I am in absolute SHOCK right now. How on EARTH did you do that?! 
I am thoroughly enjoying staring at that photo. It has been nearly impossible to imagine the lawn without all the vegetation. This is definitely the highlight of my day today - THANK YOU!
What methods are best for removing boxwoods and creeping junipers? I have the usual rookie tools: shovels, rakes, pitchfork, edger type thing, small gardening tools (that come as a set, can get them at the dollar store, etc) but thats about it. I have some good gloves (snipping holly berry shrubs taught me a lesson...). What is the best investment to remove these things? Oh, I have the long-handled and short-handled snippers or shears or whatever they're called.
Am I going to need to hire a landscaper, or can I manage this myself over time? I am willing and physically able to put in many days of hard work.
If you had to guess, how deep and to what extent do the roots of the boxwoods and juniper go (I have that septic system beneach the lawn to think about)?
THANKS SO MUCH! I cant wait to "start over" ! Can you paint some flowers or suggested plants into the garden in front of the house? Or is that too tricky? Awesome...just...AWESOME! You did an amazing job of that. |
I'm sorry I didn't reply to you sooner. It's been somewhat chaotic on the home front the last few days.
I have a nephew that owns a graphic design business and taught me a couple of tricks with a photo editing program. Nothing really involved, it's mostly copying and pasting. I couldn't really do much with yours because of just how little was exposed.
As si33 mentioned, it's a project that can be tackled by yourself although not likely all at once and soaking the area is a good idea. Dry soil in general latches onto roots almost like concrete and doesn't give as easily. Besides the main roots there will be plenty of smaller feeder roots that reinforce the larger ones. You might have a good grip on a large root and think it will be easy to yank but never underestimate those little 1/8"-1/4" roots growing from it. They all work together.
I pulled a total of 8 shrubs over two days but you've got twice that and a couple are bigger than the ones I had. I wouldn't worry too much about the septic but I would make sure I worked carefully when I was in the vicinity. The roots don't go down that deep but they do spread, the main runs on the ones I pulled went about 2-3 feet from the rootball. I had some that went further. You don't have to get every single fragment of root. I'd recommend having some fill dirt to compensate for what you remove.
If you like the junipers, leave them be. If not, there are other options for erosion control. Different types of ground covers, ornamental grasses, shrubs, some trees and shrubs. The way it looks, I would probably leave most of it in that ditch and remove some of it selectively around the edges so it isn't as dominant in front.
There's a possibility that your siding could be lighter where it wasn't covered by the bushes. I don't know about staining but there could be some bleaching from the sun. If it is, how much of a contrast would depend on how long they've been there. If you are going to do something with it in the future, it probably isn't a concern then. One advantage you could have is your bricks aren't a uniform color or shade so any imperfections may not be as noticeable as a house with one uniform color.
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