We have done some serious tree trimming at Casa Debbio. I was reluctant to cut down the pine trees around the house, but the villagers have gradually worn me down and I agreed to cut the pines in front of the house and thin out the little group at the top of our road. Their argument is that they are not native to the area and have shallow roots, which can be a problem in the severe winter weather.
So, I said a sad farewell to the big trees in front of the house. Battista, Rocco and Fillipo took to the job with gusto.
Battista gets to work with the chainsaw.
Rocco and Fillipo give a little nudge.
The next one required more of a push.
With the big pines gone our view is quite different. There are now uninterrupted views from the bedrooms.
All hopes are on the newly planted magnolia to provide some shade next summer.
With most of the trees gone from beside the road we have gained 3 more terraces to plant grass and more fruit trees. We also have a larger area to mow…wonderful.
The chestnut, hazelnut, walnut, fig and cherry trees have been cut back to encourage new growth next spring. It will also make the fruit easier to pick. I love to stand under the cherry tree and eat the fruit straight from the tree. Squirrels eat the hazelnuts and I don’t see too many walnuts. There were no figs this year because the summer was too cool and wet…maybe next year.
The house looks naked without the trees, but I know it is for the best. These poor chopped off trees will sprout next spring and be beautiful again.
I am going back to Australia now and will return in the spring to begin the next round of planting…can’t wait.
beautiful view… and I love magnolia tree reminds me always my childhood memories… I wish Good Luck with her now. Thank you dear Debra, love, nia
By: niasunset on November 3, 2014
at 6:03 am
It is already about 3 metres tall. I hope it survives the winter.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 3, 2014
at 6:08 am
I had trees cut in my Orto and it looks so much better now
By: Francis on November 3, 2014
at 6:06 am
I don’t like the way it looks now. I think the house looks desolate, but I know it will all grow again in spring.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 3, 2014
at 6:08 am
It is true about the shallow roots. Pine trees have a very small root ball, and poof, down they go. My brother and sister have an enormous one next to their house in Georgia. It worries me for them, because they get fierce storms down there.
By: The Daily Cure on November 3, 2014
at 6:20 am
I know all the downsides of having huge pine trees so close to the house, but they provided lovely shade in summer. With a bit of luck our magnolia will step up. The advantage there is it will let in lots of sun in winter.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 3, 2014
at 7:53 am
Good for the trees yes and now we can’t wait for you to come back home to Brisbane next week. Congrats Deb, the house and gardens look magnificent – even with their hair cut.
By: Dianne Cant on November 3, 2014
at 6:22 am
I am looking forward to being home for a while. That braised duck at the restaurant is calling me. I can’t wait for some Asian food.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 3, 2014
at 7:53 am
Hang in there, I am already planning what to grow: chilli, ginger, lemongrass, korainder should work, soya sauce from Holland… Can’t beat Italian cooking, so I might be sticking to what I know best – my trusted wok is already packed for the journey!
By: Nicolet on November 8, 2014
at 3:27 pm
The magnolia will grow, although I can understand how sad you were seeing those pines go. I heard that this was not a good year for walnuts….
Have a nice and safe trip back home! We shall see you next year.
By: mulino dominillo on November 3, 2014
at 6:22 am
Our walnut tree was very big and very old. I hope it will grow and be full of walnuts next year. i look forward to seeing you in the spring.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 3, 2014
at 7:55 am
Always sad to see trees chopped down. My farmer neighbours wore me down too and now our canal is absolutely naked.. While my other neighbour doesn’t seem to worry about his grapevines tangling up my fence!
Best wishes for a bright Australian summer.
By: Catherine on November 3, 2014
at 6:28 am
I hate to see those lovely big trees chopped down, but I sure it will be OK next year when things start to grow again.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 3, 2014
at 7:55 am
It will be beautiful next year! Hope you have your shade back soon though.
By: Nicolet on November 8, 2014
at 3:29 pm
How sad it looks but experience at Granaiola suggests you will be surrounded with greenery in Spring. A landscaper friend of mine said to regard every tree chopped down as an opportunity. I guess the new views re one such opportunity
By: Kathy Sanders on November 3, 2014
at 6:58 am
The views from the bedrooms and bathrooms is great, although I also liked looking into the tree branches. The rooms are much lighter now, which will be good for winter when the sun streams into the rooms.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 3, 2014
at 7:57 am
Sad to see the large old trees gone but now the view will make up for the loss! The spring with its new growth will bring new life and a new look. Still beautifull even with the trees gone..
Welcome home next week and say hello to Helsinki for me.
By: Anonymous on November 3, 2014
at 7:21 am
It will be OK, but it is just a bit sad to see the trees go. I certainly will say hello to wonderful Helsinki. I love my visits to the city.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 3, 2014
at 7:58 am
It’s sad to see mature trees chopped down ! Even for the view !
By: Anonymous on November 3, 2014
at 8:32 am
Better to be safe than sorry…a tree falling on the house would be a disaster. Hopefully it will only be a couple of years before the other trees give you the shade you need in summer. In the meantime enjoy the view.
By: Jim & Kerry on November 3, 2014
at 8:56 am
So sad…..I don’t like seeing mature trees cut down. 🙁 I do have a small painting, however, that says, “barn burned down…now I can see the moon.” Perhaps this applies! 😉
By: Lisa-marie on November 3, 2014
at 4:02 pm
It looks so nice without the trees! The view is incredible! It’s always sad when trees have to come down, but safety is so much more important. We just recently had to cut down a 120 year old Live Oak tree in our yard when huge branches began falling and we felt unsafe being anywhere near it (especially since I was in the yard when the first branch, weighing over 1500 lbs, broke off and had to run for cover!!).
By: tesorotreasures on November 3, 2014
at 7:39 pm
How lovely to go back home to Brisbane, Deb. Enjoy your Summer!
The area looks forlorn but how beautiful it will be when you go back in Spring. I can’t wait for new photos.
I did notice the light and since I love light, I bet the sun streaming in is a pleasant surprise.
By: meditatingmummy on November 4, 2014
at 3:27 am
Huge trees in our area are being taken down because of being too close to the power lines. Their large limbs come down during storms and the area looses power. I don’t like the look but other trees will now have more sun and grow. Hopefully you will have a mild winter and your magnolias will grow and provide you shade in the years to come. Safe trip home.
By: Karen on November 4, 2014
at 10:21 pm
That is a dramatic improvement in view Debra! And the extra terraces should look lovely when planted. Have a safe trip home.
By: Madhu on November 5, 2014
at 11:07 am
What a view!
By: aFrankAngle on November 5, 2014
at 12:27 pm
What a gorgeous view – absolutely outstanding spot.
By: Maureen | Orgasmic Chef on November 5, 2014
at 10:42 pm