Any ideas for an area we just cleared of Pine Trees? Pics.

11 years ago

We just bought a house that had a huge wall of pine trees in front of the windows blocking out all sun and the (beautiful) view!

We have removed the pine trees - all 29 of them, but won't be removing the stumps as apparently they are helping add support to the slope and we don't want to cause a problem.

So we now have a big area of 'berm' with nothing growing on it.

We'd like to get some ground cover going, but nothing that will grow high and block our newly gained view!

The area is pretty shaded most of the day, but gets some good sunlight in the afternoon. I guess whatever we plant needs to be able to deal with soil that has had a lot of pine trees in it and still has a bunch of stumps.

We would like to extend the deck and stairs to go along the side of the house, but could really use some ideas for something pretty to put on the steep slope part.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!!

Pics close up and from a distance.....

Here's why we removed the Pine Trees - the view before and after:

Comments (6)

chibimimi
11 years ago
How about periwinkle? It's virtually evergreen and as soon as the snow melts it's in bloom. Max height is 8-12" and forms a dense mat in just a year or two.
Dzitmoidonc
11 years ago
The pines should have been cut because of the ugly nature of them alone. Most plants will do fine as long as you select plants for shade or part shade. you can even replant with small evergreens. There are lots of spruces, yews and pines that don't get over 5 feet tall. Some Hollies are small when full grown. There are Azaleas that like that sort of area too. Just don't plant a blooming plant that needs a lot of sun to bloom. You will get leggy plants with few flowers.
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Mike Larkin
11 years ago
If the stumps remain, I agee with periwinkle.
If you remove the stumps, you have more choices. I beleive that you could grind the stumps and replant, but suggest it Would not hurt to turn to a landscape designer. Get some professional advice. It is a nice house. Someone made some initial planting errors with those pines, a designer may have some great ideas and his fee may be affordable.
Good luck

Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Design ideas
tess1893
11 years ago
Use the stumps as planters for a natural look. Hollow out the center of the stump, let it dry out some, fill with dirt and plant what you know is right for your location. Ice plant is beautiful in them, a vine you like or a bush that trails to the ground. After the plant is established gently place a hidden trellis down in the stump with the plant, cover the trellis with the plant to make it seen from a greater distance. You can do this several times if you want til it gets as big or high as you want. The reason for the hidden trellis is so that the plant is the main focal point not the trellis. Hope this helps.
tess1893
11 years ago
Use the stumps as planters for a natural look. Hollow out the center of the stump, let it dry out some, fill with dirt and plant what you know is right for your location. Ice plant is beautiful in them, a vine you like or a bush that trails to the ground. After the plant is established gently place a hidden trellis down in the stump with the plant, cover the trellis with the plant to make it seen from a greater distance. You can do this several times if you want til it gets as big or high as you want. The reason for the hidden trellis is so that the plant is the main focal point not the trellis. Hope this helps.
Blossom_Designer
11 years ago
You could also add sweet woodruff to the periwinkle. It's a beautiful combination.