When we bought the property, we knew we were going to have to replace a very long, very old retaining wall that was built with railroad ties. So during 2016, we had new topography maps made and soil studies performed, and secured the services of a construction firm to do the job.
Last September, Agent Smith Sr. arrived from Australia with his handy heavy equipment operator’s license and we got to work. First there was the matter of removing the old wall, for which we needed an excavator. Back when we had a crew work on the stable roof, I learned how to rent heavy equipment and what a good skill that is to have. A call to United Rentals and a little 3-ton unit was delivered; work then began.
Then there were the three palm trees (pic 1) planted out beneath the giant walnut tree. After many calls and much deliberation, it was determined that transplanting them was not a feasible option, especially when firms wanted $10K for the job. Since they were simple Mexican Red Palms, we called the company that had helped us in November of 2015, and they removed the trees (pic 2).
They also removed the cypress that had fallen onto the line feeding the phantom power pole, leaving behind just a stump (last pic).
