The Trees Came Tumbling Down!

[Bonny]

Perhaps partially inspired by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl 's experience, DH and I agreed to take down four 60' Eucalyptus Trees. The main driver for this work is our new landscaping work which should start around June 22nd when we're back from the cabin. While I'm somewhat sad to see them go they just got too big and are too close to the house.

Here are the pix. I always have trouble organizing these on photobucket. But you can see the damaged deck stairway as posted in my other thread. Sunset shots are off the deck and were shot Friday evening.

s1321.photobucket.com/user/pattona/slideshow/Trees%20Part%201?sort=2

Phase 2 will be removal of neighbor's two 90' Eucalyptus trees which are overhanging our property. That starts on Monday and will rate it's own thread.

[Deleted]

So you are paying to have your neighbor's trees removed? Or is it just the portion overhanging your property?

I paid $700 over ten years ago just for "trimming." The crew did touch every tree on the property.  

Trees are expensive "pets"

[Jaguar]

Oh my you had to do this Bonny, I got goose chills when I seen your deck steps. Smart move.

Oh and I envy your location, that sunset was to die for.

[TheOtherMe]

Those steps to the deck....

[Bonny]

May 16, 2015 18:17:36 GMT -5 @southernsusana said:

So you are paying to have your neighbor's trees removed? Or is it just the portion overhanging your property?

I paid $700 over ten years ago just for "trimming." The crew did touch every tree on the property.  

Trees are expensive "pets"

The neighbor's trees are the subject of a different thread. Short story is that they are paying but we are lending them the money (secured by a Deed of Trust) until the house closes escrow. It went on the market last Sunday. Multiple offers are expected.

Tree bid for removal of neighbor's trees is $11,500.

[Deleted]

OMG Bonny, that view is incredible!

I paid over $1300 per tree (10 years ago) for similar height trees that had to come down in sections like yours. It is really expensive when there isn't a clear drop for them. 

I don't think I have ever seen a eucalyptus tree!!

[Anne_in_VA]

What an amazing view!  I've never seen a eucalyptus tree.  Are they the same as the eucalyptus branches I've bought dried?  Those trees are huge!

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Oh my gosh they really did break your steps!!!
I mean, I believed you when you said it before, but the pictures make me mad on your behalf. 

[Bonny]

May 16, 2015 21:52:06 GMT -5 Anne_in_VA said:

What an amazing view!  I've never seen a eucalyptus tree.  Are they the same as the eucalyptus branches I've bought dried?  Those trees are huge!

Probably a different species but same family. These are called Blue Gum. They're actually quite invasive and a lot of people hate them but they are still wildlife habitat.

[Bonny]

May 16, 2015 22:10:14 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Oh my gosh they really did break your steps!!!
I mean, I believed you when you said it before, but the pictures make me mad on your behalf. 

They'll pay for the repair. Contractor came out Thurs eve and says I'll have a bid Monday. They tree folks still need to do some more work but they now have to wait because the other tree people need to come in.

It's going to be a while before they get paid. And I don't think between this and the delays that they are making any money.

[Tennesseer]

Bonny-I have read blue gum eucalyptus trees are a major fire hazard due to the oil of its leaves.  True?

[Bonny]

May 17, 2015 8:25:16 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Bonny-I have read blue gum eucalyptus trees are a major fire hazard due to the oil of its leaves.  True?

I've heard that too. In dry inland areas they will go up like a Roman candle. They were considered a factor in the Oakland Hills Fire in 1994. We're a mile from the beach so less of an issue.

[Deleted]

Bonny can I ask if that is a CA property? I'm still thinking about that stunning & relaxing view!!! 

I am trying to decide where I want to live for retirement.  If I go north I can get water view, but it is soooo windy in fall & winter that I don't think I want to do that since I am feeling cold averse.  OR coast is rugged and I think nice in summer but wicked in winter/spring months.  If your pictures are northern CA, maybe that comes back onto the option list. It always comes up as a retirement tax unfriendly place so I haven't thought about it much.  FL is always an option, but that feels so far away from kids that I don't think I'm ready for it yet.

I once took a business trip to SanDiego & I just loved it, but pretty sure I could not afford anything with views there!!!

[Bonny]

May 17, 2015 12:21:40 GMT -5 @rockit said:

Bonny can I ask if that is a CA property? I'm still thinking about that stunning & relaxing view!!! 

I am trying to decide where I want to live for retirement.  If I go north I can get water view, but it is soooo windy in fall & winter that I don't think I want to do that since I am feeling cold averse.  OR coast is rugged and I think nice in summer but wicked in winter/spring months.  If your pictures are northern CA, maybe that comes back onto the option list. It always comes up as a retirement tax unfriendly place so I haven't thought about it much.  FL is always an option, but that feels so far away from kids that I don't think I'm ready for it yet.

I once took a business trip to SanDiego & I just loved it, but pretty sure I could not afford anything with views there!!!

Yes it's a middle class coastal town on the San Francisco Peninsula. Unfortunately entry level housing i.e. 55 year old 1050 sq.ft. single level house in move-in shape is now around $800k. East Bay Area like the Oakland Hills is a little cheaper but not by much. There are some stunning bay views in Oakland, Hayward et cetera. BTW we LOVE watching storms from our house.

Right now we're a little off of San Diego. The neighborhood most similar to where we live in the SF Bay Area is called Bay Park. It has some beautiful views of Mission Bay and if high enough some ocean views. But prices are similar if not more and traffic and noise (from Hwy 5) is a lot worse.

N. County areas like Oceanside, Vista and San Marcos can have some beautiful views and are considerably cheaper. But traffic into the downtown area is absolutely miserable during normal commute and when the Del Mar Fair (June) and summer weekends.

We'll re-evaluate where we want to live when DH turns 70. That's when the hips and knees seem to start failing. Given the transaction costs of selling real estate it might be a lot cheaper to just install an elevator!

[Opti]

Yes it's a middle class coastal town on the San Francisco Peninsula. Unfortunately entry level housing i.e. 55 year old 1050 sq.ft. single level house in move-in shape is now around $800k.

Middle class? Crap. So how expensive do the entry level homes have to be for it to be a rich neighborhood?

[Deleted]

Your view is fantastic!

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

Bonny, do I see one of those crazy...err, ummm, -- I mean brave -- tree climber guys who climb up and cut by hand in one or two of your pictures?

We have a legendary tree climber in our town.  He is a "solo practitioner"  -- tree companies hire him to do the work none of their guys will do, LOL.  I am going to need him soon to take down a couple of trees that are a bit iffy.  He wears no protective gear because he says that IF he falls, he'll fall far enough that it WILL be fatal.  

I think I won't be home that day, LOL.


Oh, and I absolutely love your view, too!!  Who owns all of the woods and undeveloped land behind you?  Is it protected?  Will it stay undeveloped?  

[Bonny]

May 17, 2015 20:42:02 GMT -5 GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl said:

Bonny, do I see one of those crazy...err, ummm, -- I mean brave -- tree climber guys who climb up and cut by hand in one or two of your pictures?

We have a legendary tree climber in our town.  He is a "solo practitioner"  -- tree companies hire him to do the work none of their guys will do, LOL.  I am going to need him soon to take down a couple of trees that are a bit iffy.  He wears no protective gear because he says that IF he falls, he'll fall far enough that it WILL be fatal.  

I think I won't be home that day, LOL.


Oh, and I absolutely love your view, too!!  Who owns all of the woods and undeveloped land behind you?  Is it protected?  Will it stay undeveloped?  

There were two. You have to look very carefully to see both. And they aren't cutting by hand they have gas powered chainsaws. They are total hams, twirling them around like batons.

They do have protective gear and harnesses. But I bet there's more than one story about someone cutting through a rope.

Not sure what property you are referring to as woods? Down below us, across the canyon or the hill to the left of the bay (in the sunset pic)? There are different answers to each.

[Bonny]

May 17, 2015 19:29:56 GMT -5 Opti said:

Yes it's a middle class coastal town on the San Francisco Peninsula. Unfortunately entry level housing i.e. 55 year old 1050 sq.ft. single level house in move-in shape is now around $800k.

Middle class? Crap. So how expensive do the entry level homes have to be for it to be a rich neighborhood?

Upper middle class starts at around $1M. The properties sell immediately and typically well over list price. Not unusual to see $100k+ over list.

www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/94070/type-single-family-home/sby-1