Yard Work

Back in March or so, you may remember I wrote a post about a theft on my property. 3 or so men came over the wall and stole several items off of and from inside my car. They actually returned 3 times over a period of 5 weeks and so we all worked at stepping up security on the property. We'd heard of a theft at the quarry near my home, where the thieves also killed the night watchman, so we were definitely concerned for the safety of my guards as well as the house, etc. 


Since that time we've been actively working to clear out dark and crowded areas in the yard, in order for my night watchman/men to see that no one was trying to come inside. I had a large and shady but non-producing (fruit) mango tree. It took me a while to decide to remove it entirely, and I still hate that we cut out a 60 ft. healthy tree, but am glad for the clearer views of the corners. We also removed an anemic palm tree, an interfering Australian umbrella tree, an almond (not edible) tree and a small pine tree, as well as clearing out or moving some matooke (banana) trees. 


What was interesting was to have these all taken out by Peter & Bosco, my 2 day watchmen. They are responsible to keep the yard and property in shape, but their work was way beyond regular duties, and they did all of this without machinery. We invested in a new ax and a panga (machete), and that was about it for equipment they used! Amazing! 

 But what do you do with the wood once it is cut? I approached that same quarry business and offered my wood. It was not processed into lumber, although there was some really good wood (strong and healthy!) wood there. They wanted it for heating rock before they blasted it, and we were glad to have them come collect the huge piles which had sat for a while in the yard. Above, the quarry guys load the wood into one of their trucks. I was really glad to not have to worry about trying to haul the stuff myself. They did the work; it reduced the price we got on selling the wood, but it was worth it. 

Above: the truck was overloaded but they essentially took all 5 trees' wood within one trip. 

Next step: get rid of the large stump (about 400 or so lbs.). Peter and Bosco cut the trunk in half (what a job with only an ax and a machete!) and rolled the 2 halves out the gate. Outside in my neighbor's empty plot, they worked for about 1 week making that trunk into charcoal. Altogether, Bosco and Peter worked about 5 days on the chopping of the trees and then the charcoal. They earned the small amount the quarry paid us for the wood, and they also benefited from the charcoal which they took home for cooking. 

So here is my yard (below) without those trees. We did plant a jacaranda (I love the purple flowers) but in a new location so that even as it grows, it will not block views for security. Yes, if you've never seen all my yard before, I have elephant statues in the yard. It is a rental home, and I don't know what all the murals mean, but they've added character to the place. :) I also added bougainvillea plants all around the edges of the walls, so that as they grow up they will add privacy and thorns to deter thieves. And my landlord paid to put razor wire around the perimeter, so we have that bonus. And Dori my fierce looking (but sweet) pound dog finishes out the security additions since March.