If you know us, you know we don’t sit still long.  We are always busy; always doing upgrades to our home.  We’ve lived here for 5 years now, and have done many things to make it our own.  Some things we have done ourselves, others we have hired contractors.  Everything from new “green” carpet upstairs (made from corn, mind you) to granite countertops in the kitchen, tile in the bathrooms, epoxy flooring in the garage, etc.  We have certainly made it OUR home.  So it was only a matter of time before we started renovating our backyard.  

We originally had VERY tall leland cyprus trees lining the fence for privacy.  They did provide a lot of privacy but were completely overgrown and taking up most of the backyard.  2 years ago one of them fell on our neighbor’s house, and then this past December, one fell on our house.  So we made the decision to have them all taken down.  It really opened up the yard, but ultimately made one giant mud pit for the dogs.  Now that Ashley is getting older (and the weather is getting nicer), we wanted to have a nice yard for her to play in.  And something nice for us to admire as we sit out on the deck.  We love cooking out on the grill and being outdoors!  

So we decided to hire a landscaper to make our dreams come true.  The trick was designing something that was both dog AND kid friendly.  It took a lot of research and planning.  We didn’t want to put in any plants that were poisonous to kids or dogs.  And we needed grass that could withstand labrador treatment, yet also be low maintenance.  The project wasn’t without some hurdles along the way, and it took 3 weeks from start to finish.  But what project does go smoothly?  In the end, we are so happy with the way it turned out! 

We put in mulch beds with trees and shrubs, installed new Bermuda sod, and put in a patio.  It really looks good, especially being complimented by the new deck that Van built a few years ago.  The only part that isn’t completed yet is a fence separating Ashley’s side of the yard.  We are going to fence off a poop-free side for her.  So she can run and play and I won’t have to worry about what the dogs may have left out there.  Plus it will be nice for her to have a safe place to play without doggie interruptions (and she won’t get knocked over)!  Eventually we will put up a swingset and sandbox for her.

Here is a video of the leland cyprus trees getting removed back in December, as well as before and after photos of the transformation.  I hate to run, but now I must go sit outside and enjoy our new backyard!  The birds are calling my name!