My winter project was to clear some of the impenetrable Dark Forest & open up a view of the creek from our deck. I did take down a lot of trees, both scrub and well established. I pulled up or off 8 lawn bags of Virginia Creeper and poison ivy vines, carefully cut up to maximize the amount in each bag. I rented a chipper for the trees and brush with the intent of creating a wood chip trail. Here it is about halfway done. The first pic is a view from our deck, and the second better shows the area by the creek where we'll setup a picnic table or some sort of seating arrangement. Just below that space, a limestone ledge creates a mini waterfall and the 'crick' babbles. It's very pleasant to just stand there and listen. The remains of the woodchip pile is on the left in the first shot. There's still quite a bit left, so barring the coming rain washing it all away, I should be able to extend the trail at least halfway to the house from its present end. The logs that line the path all came from the trees I cut. I've never built a chip trail before and make absolutely no guarantees about its longevity. I did my best to anticipate and block the runoff from rain to keep the chips in place, but we'll just have to wait and see. Thankfully, we won't have to wait long. A large thunderstorm is due to pass through tonight, so the effects of heavy rain and high winds will be immediately apparent tomorrow morning. I just hope I'm not digging wood chips out of the creek tomorrow! Anyway, the ultimate plan is to line the sides of the path with native wildflowers or ground cover. Probably won't do that until next spring though, because Ellen and Mom have a project list for me that makes my business life seem sedate and relaxed. To Kevin and Betty S., you can now get to the creek without being snagged by thornbushes, whipped in the face with branches or having to dodge creepy vines hanging off trees. Looking forward to a leisurely stroll with you!!
My winter project was to clear some of the impenetrable Dark Forest & open up a view of the creek from our deck. I did take down a lot of trees, both scrub and well established. I pulled up or off 8 lawn bags of Virginia Creeper and poison ivy vines, carefully cut up to maximize the amount in each bag. I rented a chipper for the trees and brush with the intent of creating a wood chip trail. Here it is about halfway done. The first pic is a view from our deck, and the second better shows the area by the creek where we'll setup a picnic table or some sort of seating arrangement. Just below that space, a limestone ledge creates a mini waterfall and the 'crick' babbles. It's very pleasant to just stand there and listen. The remains of the woodchip pile is on the left in the first shot. There's still quite a bit left, so barring the coming rain washing it all away, I should be able to extend the trail at least halfway to the house from its present end. The logs that line the path all came from the trees I cut. I've never built a chip trail before and make absolutely no guarantees about its longevity. I did my best to anticipate and block the runoff from rain to keep the chips in place, but we'll just have to wait and see. Thankfully, we won't have to wait long. A large thunderstorm is due to pass through tonight, so the effects of heavy rain and high winds will be immediately apparent tomorrow morning. I just hope I'm not digging wood chips out of the creek tomorrow! Anyway, the ultimate plan is to line the sides of the path with native wildflowers or ground cover. Probably won't do that until next spring though, because Ellen and Mom have a project list for me that makes my business life seem sedate and relaxed. To Kevin and Betty S., you can now get to the creek without being snagged by thornbushes, whipped in the face with branches or having to dodge creepy vines hanging off trees. Looking forward to a leisurely stroll with you!!
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