DIY Network

Tree Removal and Playset: Evaluating the Situation Tree Removal and Playset: Evaluating the Situation From "Grounds for Improvement" episode DGFI-101

Chris and Holly DeFranco love their new house but wish there were green space available so they could build a play structure for their young children. The many Bradford pear trees in the yard have grown so large that thick branches block all the sunlight; the pollen in spring and the leaves in fall also create problems. So Grounds for Improvement host Jackie Taylor and landscape designer Dean Hill have devised a plan to "let the sunshine in" by removing two of the large trees. Hill also designed a play structure for the newly found space.

A yard with no room for fun...

...becomes a dream play space!

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The DeFrancos spent approximately $3,000 for materials; by doing all the work themselves, with the help of friends and family members, they saved about $1,500.

Tools
Chipper/shredder
20" Chainsaw
Cordless screwdriver
Heavy spade
Wheelbarrows
Marking paint
Ladder
Stump grinder
Circular saw
Electric drill w/ auger bit
Shovels
Hammers
Miscellaneous drill bits
Tarps
Backpack blower
Compound miter saw
4' level
Rakes (leaf and yard)
Hammers
Sledgehammer
Socket set

Project Overview

Taylor and Hill identify the following issues in Chris and Holly DeFranco's yard:

• The planting beds near the deck are overgrown.

• The trees have not been properly pruned and are at risk of blowing over.

• The yard has too many Bradford pear trees, which take up valuable green space for playing.

• There is no play structure for the children.

Figure A

The DeFrancos recruited Holly's dad and some of their friends to help them tackle each problem. First, Taylor and the ladies attack the planting beds. After Hill explains that pruning shears should be used instead of electric tools, they clean out and prune the beds(figure A). In the process, they uncover an old steppingstone pathway and move the debris to the compost pile.

Raking out the debris is crucial to reviving plants that already exist. Weeds and unwanted growth are best managed by pulling them out at the root. A preemergent weed and grass killer can be used in the dormant season to help prevent regrowth of weeds. Fertilizer on the existing plants and shrubs is recommended.

Meanwhile, Hill and Chris DeFranco begin prepping to cut down two of the Bradford pear trees. Hill explains that since the trees are so large, the guys must first cut down some of the branches to help get the tree to a more manageable size.

RESOURCES :

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