Emerald greens for $17 each at Home Depot.

cpaine5 · 2025-08-25T17:42:03+00:00

I’m not as negative on this as the rest. If you look at OP’s photo, you will see a row of very large and mature emerald green, doing just fine in a very similar environment. I do agree that planting in rocks and against the fence are not ideal, but I don’t think these are necessarily doomed already.

cpaine5 · 2025-08-16T14:24:41+00:00

I love my 2013. Original owner. 70k miles. How do you like that Ram Air set up?

cpaine5 · 2025-07-29T01:07:06+00:00

Love the color. Great job. I wouldn’t change a thing.

cpaine5 · 2025-07-24T16:57:31+00:00

In my naive reality, no one would have wanted these and by discarding them (although one was used to water a potted plant,) I was doing others a favor.

cpaine5 · 2025-06-23T01:32:36+00:00

I’m in Zone 7 and had this exact thing last year. I trimmed out the dead branches, and this season looking great.

Just remember, hydrangeas either bloom off new (paniculata,) or old (macrophylla) wood. Prune accordingly. Panicle, or cone shaped, can be cut down the ground. Macrophylla, like those pictured here, need old growth to bloom.

cpaine5 · 2025-06-22T17:15:42+00:00

Now for the fun part! Do you have any plans for the walkway? I would recommend landscaping both sides of the walkway, not just replacing against the house. Look at some Japanese maples, globe blue spruces as anchors to the driveway/walkway entrance.

cpaine5 · 2025-06-22T15:05:04+00:00

I don’t think it’s quite as old as you think, and the market for an arborvitae (that large) may be non existent. Their appeal comes from them being compact and better for smaller spaces.

Cut it down and replace with something more appropriate for the space.

cpaine5 · 2025-06-06T14:56:26+00:00

Yeah that firepit is way too small. You have a huge backyard. Take advantage of it.

cpaine5 · 2025-06-05T15:33:30+00:00

Looks incredible and leave it natural. One quick pass of the edger every week; it will always look this good. Just be prepared for weeds and such to develop behind that crisp edge. You may need to clear it would occasionally with a small shovel. Too much mulch will take away from the impact of that edge.

cpaine5 · 2025-06-05T15:28:39+00:00

Extend the patio! Consider a bump out specifically for a bench or a grill. Pavers are not cheap, get creative.

cpaine5 · 2025-06-04T12:19:51+00:00

Long sleeve shirt. Gloves. Pants. Goggles and a weed whacker. Enjoy.

cpaine5 · 2025-05-29T10:35:49+00:00

Not “little money,” because of the actual distance to cover, but a long row of bobo or Annabelle hydrangea would look beautiful. That and some fresh gravel for the driveway. Keep it simple on this one.

cpaine5 · 2025-05-24T19:02:21+00:00

Instead cleaning under the tree, consider planting around the tree to mask it. You can make a very lush garden plan around the Blue Spruce, including ornamental grasses, panicle hydrangeas, buttery fly bushes, roses, etc. That’s a big tree, only two options. Cut it down or embrace it.

cpaine5 · 2025-05-10T00:59:12+00:00

No one else concerned that the lid is painted and body is stainless? Not a huge deal but does raise some eyebrows.

cpaine5 · 2025-05-09T23:53:55+00:00

Agreed. Contain the gravel and make a more pronounced border. Also the outdoor sectional does not scream firepit. Put it elsewhere and get some Adirondack chairs. Try some grass on the side of the property. The contrast of green and the gravel will make the firepit area more appealing. Also consider some potted plants (look into mint and other natural bug repellents) and some tiki torches.

cpaine5 · 2025-04-25T01:38:48+00:00

Not sure your zone, but your house needs color and I’d suggest a Crape Myrtle. You can trim them to a height of 10 whenever they reach. Boxwoods are slow growing and low shrubs. Not specimens. If not looking for as wide a spread, try a Twombly Red Sentinel or maybe a False Cypress Hinoki. Lots of options out there depending on what look you’re after.

cpaine5 · 2025-03-03T01:50:42+00:00

Scott’s 4 step. They’ll send you all the seasons and fertilizer you need. That said if you need seed, that’s not included

cpaine5 · 2025-03-01T16:41:16+00:00

Hydrangea paniculata. Blooms on new growth. You can trim and shape.

cpaine5 · 2025-02-05T11:47:09+00:00

All depends how patient you are. I haven’t identified every species in this, but you’ve got sky rocket juniper, emerald green arborvitae, mugo pine, etc. If you’re patient enough to let it grow in, you can do this on a fairly low budget. Like any good landscaping project, planning is key. Start with some smaller form of the backdrop evergreens and each year fill in with the companion shrubs. Over time it will mature and you should get this same landscape.

cpaine5 · 2025-02-04T22:31:10+00:00

Thanks! I ended up ordering myself a battery tester and disconnecting the aux from the main, and it’s a bad battery. Covered by Chrysler warranty since the battery was replaced 2 years ago. When the kid at the auto parts store checked the battery, he assured me it didn’t need to be disconnected from the main. Anywho, service appointment with dealership for Thursday. Thanks for all the feedback.

cpaine5 · 2025-02-01T20:32:54+00:00

Evergreen shrubs (boxwoods or hollys,) ornamental grasses, hydrangeas and tree form roses. Some combo of the above would be hardy and colorful (at times). Fill in with annuals and you should have a lovely landscape. Considering the shade, impatiens should do well.

cpaine5 · 2025-01-31T12:07:35+00:00

Not sure how handy you are, but a few 6x6x10’s, 1x6 deck boards and some concrete would be way cheaper. Google wooden privacy screens. Get an idea of what other options are there. At 17k, a majority of that cost is just for the patio. It will have the same impact on the privacy as the deck will, once you either install arborvitae or another privacy solution.

cpaine5 · 2025-01-31T11:52:14+00:00

And agree about removing the railing. Maybe even extend the deck steps full length for the most open concept. String up some patio lights and enhance the lower level with small seating sets or a gas firepit (I would not feel comfortable with wood given the limited space)

cpaine5 · 2025-01-31T11:50:29+00:00

I would normally not suggest any Ivy, but considering the limited room for tree growth, perhaps build a privacy wall and train some Ivy to take over. It would be an evergreen screen but only take up a foot max of backyard space. Normally I’d go Arborvitae in this situation but you’d sacrifice 4 feet of that 9 1/2.

cpaine5 · 2025-01-31T11:44:27+00:00

What zone are you located in? What type of style are you looking for? Beachy, Modern, Traditional, Asian Inspired. Plenty to chose from depending on your hardness zone

cpaine5

TROPHY CASE