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Minor Deity |
I can sure relate. We had two trees growing out of our decks when we moved in. I guess that was trendy then. One tree is still standing because we completely redesigned and rebuilt the decks. Architecturally they were great, but in practice they were two small decks on two different levels. Yours is much better and is on the same level as the house floor. We did that too.
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Has Achieved Nirvana |
I knew someone in Palo Alto who bought a house that was built around a central open space with a huge oak tree growing there. | |||
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| (self-titled) semi-posting lurker Minor Deity  |
I hadn't thought about that, but good point. It does make things easier.
I'm sure it's charming. If the courtyard is big enough, it wouldn't be a problem. But in the long run, and if the courtyard isn't very big, probably the roots will become an issue. And as with our deck, depending on what else is in the courtyard, the tree could contribute to damage or wear/tear of surfaces as well. The tree that was growing out of our deck was probably quite nice when it was a little smaller. And it did provide a lot of shade. But we actually prefer it now because we can see the sky, and the rooms that face the deck (our family room and the dining room, where the patio door is) are both so much brighter. I hadn't thought of that before getting the tree removed, but now that I can see what a difference it makes, I love it!
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| Minor Deity |
In Palo alto it was probably a Live Oak and those things spread very, very wide. Certainly a problem at some point, but I think they grow pretty slowly. Yeah, having the deck the same level as the house floor makes living space feel much. much bigger.
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Has Achieved Nirvana |
It all looks great! I especially like the black gutters!
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| (self-titled) semi-posting lurker Minor Deity |
Thanks Steve!! We're really pleased! I figured the black gutters would at least not look too bad, but I sort of felt like it was a gamble but it turned out really well! We are just super relieved to have some of these bigger projects finished!! And with (so far, knock on wood) no major problems. I tried not to think about how likely it was that one of those huge pieces of tree trunk would fall through the roof while they were taking it out... 
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| (self-titled) semi-posting lurker Minor Deity |
And that, by the way, is part of the reason it took a long time, since we researched companies, took a bunch of quotes, and waited on the most reputable one to be able to get here and do it. Because I did not want just anyone to do the job! People find out that you have a tree you need removed, and they try to recommend just about anyone who has free time and a butter knife to do the job!! 
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| Pinta & the Santa Maria Has Achieved Nirvana  |
That looks great! I love the black gutters and love the open feel of your back deck with the tree gone. That leaning tree would make me very, very nervous. I can see why you removed it. | |||
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| (self-titled) semi-posting lurker Minor Deity |
Thank you Nina!! Yes, it looks a lot bigger now, doesn't it! P.S. the deck stain is finished, stay tuned for pics....
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| (self-titled) semi-posting lurker Minor Deity |
Deck finished! Kinda hard to take photos of it without walking on it, but here goes. Also, as I look at it, I think the new boards probably need a second coat...    We also did the picnic table in the same stain. It looks a lot redder (pinker) in the photos, but it's a nice warm brown color with just a hint of red, I promise! Also, it just makes me laugh to see this picnic table, because before it was pressure washed, I doubted that it was even wood!  
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| Has Achieved Nirvana |
What a nice deck!  Growing up we had an Irish Setter who ate a picnic table just like yours.
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Minor Deity |
Looks great! There is nothing better than an old fashion picnic table. They are a great example of simplicity that never goes out of style. 
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| (self-titled) semi-posting lurker Minor Deity |
Thanks Steve and BeeLady, we are quite pleased!! And I just confirmed with the door guy, assuming the weather holds, he'll come on Thursday. Fingers crossed!!!
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| knitterati Beatification Candidate  |
All great upgrades; I love the new roof and black gutters! A hint more definition, very nice. The deck is fabulous. What a great space for entertaining or hanging out. Bonus on the increased light inside after removing the tree.
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Has Achieved Nirvana |
Lovely!
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