Beginning to take shape
After lunch yesterday I worked until 7 p.m. with a break to talk a little with our neighbor, Mi-. I was explaining to him that I hadn't figured out how to deal with the 4 inch diameter root from our tree which went almost up to the sidewalk!
Then, it hit me. Yes, I would have to bring the wall right to the edge of the sidewalk at that point. However, that wouldn't be enough because the "brick" is 4 inches deep and the root is maybe 1.5 inches at sidewalk level from the sidewalk. Even though the brick angles off, it is not enough of an angle to miss the root.
So, I will have to use my masonry saw to cut a notch out of the brick and start the wall at that point. It is do-able, if the saw is up to it and I am up to using it (I have little experience with power tools).
Just the fact that I will start the wall from that point means that I am doomed to use the saw more than I had hoped...as the first course will probably need to be adjusted with a partial brick at the fence-line.
As to the progress: the wall and walkway area are taking shape.
I am concerned about the shallow roots which are very prominent on the house side of the tree. Marisa noted that some roots I nicked were "bleeding" sap. Not good. These are active important roots. So I will do what I can to save them.
That slows me down because I have to consider them as I shape the soil.
I did get down to the walkway level I need in front of the house and removed the foot deep of added soil and the wooden faux window well put there by the landscaper I used last year. Maybe what he did was done to protect the roots. I don't know: his explanation to me when I asked him was more defensive than it was revealing his reasons.
However, with some care I think I can do the right thing: protect the tree and bring the soil level down where it needs to be. This is the first step.
My body is a bit sore, but feeling better. I need some breakfast and will bring in the trash containers from this morning's pick up, then I will
attempt to pick up a shovel again.
Then, it hit me. Yes, I would have to bring the wall right to the edge of the sidewalk at that point. However, that wouldn't be enough because the "brick" is 4 inches deep and the root is maybe 1.5 inches at sidewalk level from the sidewalk. Even though the brick angles off, it is not enough of an angle to miss the root.
So, I will have to use my masonry saw to cut a notch out of the brick and start the wall at that point. It is do-able, if the saw is up to it and I am up to using it (I have little experience with power tools).
Just the fact that I will start the wall from that point means that I am doomed to use the saw more than I had hoped...as the first course will probably need to be adjusted with a partial brick at the fence-line.
As to the progress: the wall and walkway area are taking shape.
I am concerned about the shallow roots which are very prominent on the house side of the tree. Marisa noted that some roots I nicked were "bleeding" sap. Not good. These are active important roots. So I will do what I can to save them.
That slows me down because I have to consider them as I shape the soil.
I did get down to the walkway level I need in front of the house and removed the foot deep of added soil and the wooden faux window well put there by the landscaper I used last year. Maybe what he did was done to protect the roots. I don't know: his explanation to me when I asked him was more defensive than it was revealing his reasons.
However, with some care I think I can do the right thing: protect the tree and bring the soil level down where it needs to be. This is the first step.
My body is a bit sore, but feeling better. I need some breakfast and will bring in the trash containers from this morning's pick up, then I will
attempt to pick up a shovel again.