It's Like a Different Property Now
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- Опубліковано 25 сер 2024
- We are a DIY family trying to build a better life. We like to share projects and regular life updates. Our goals are to create a happy home, live healthy, develop our life skills, and see where our life leads us.
a retention pond should be dug to keep the flood waters down
I'm very "pro-tree" but the trees need to be healthy & unobtrusive. Your property looks so much brighter. The remaining trees will do better now. You'll have room to do all the renovations you want to do. I'm so excited to watch this journey of your family & this property. Those are gonna be some dramatic before & after images!
No fear, uncertainty, or doubt on this channel. You guys are young enough to try and fail many times over and come out rich with experience, skills, and many memories. I truly respect your courage to step outside the comfort zone and succeed.
It took your place from house in the swamp feel to the beginnings of a Florida homestead real quick. :) Anyone who complains over removing those trees has clearly never maintained a home under them or looked into proper forest management. :)
….and let’s talk about homeowners insurance!!
You did the right thing in regards the trees. Too often people fail to understand that management is as important as preservation on any land. By giving the trees elsewhere a better growing environment, it will allow then to flourish. Regardless of that, they were definitely a risk being as close as they were to the house and septic system. Good choice to remove them.
Love the Spoonbill that was cool to see.
Looking forward to seeing how it goes from here.
Those removed trees just aren't growing leaves and branches, now they are enriching the soil in some way! Love the mulch, etc. Tree removers know what to do with those downed trees!
People were angry at me for taking down my Yellow pines. They were sucking up all the water and my beautiful live oaks didn’t look so beautiful. Now they are gorgeous and I don’t miss the pines at all.
Thank you for removing those trees. The property looks so much better. Sunshine is always needed. 👍👍
I am so happy to see Ashley smile and share so much. She deserves to be happy and getting rid of those trees was the right thing to do. Is it possible to raise your house up higher so if that kind of rain hits again you will be safer?
Nice look
We also live in FL. our house is 100 years old. Removed all oak and palm trees 🌴. Planted lots of fruit trees !
Suggestions are raise your house as much as possible no palms trees they are houses for roaches 🪳 check your flood plain.
If you put in weeping willow trees, they will soak up all extra water big time! I'm so glad to finally see you guys!!! Praying for all of you and your new house!!!
Looks so much better! If you have a well insulated home, the missing canopy shouldn't have much effect
Agree!
Just very happy for you! Yikes I know how much it costs to remove trees. Your neighbors must be delighted to see the improvements. Homeschooling includes a Zoo now. I imagine a vegetable garden already. Wondering what the gardening season is in your area. My goodness, you plan so well, consider different aspects, a good man, a well-supported wife and family is the result. I won't see your children growing up (I am 79) but I see how you raise them well by example.
@@willtheman840 Did they ask you for any money? Did they ask you to come and help them fix it up.Did they ask you to help them buy this home? Well you need to go elsewhere if it bothers you. They are not asking for our permission for jack .They are sharing their story with us and if we don't like it .we can go and look at the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Smh
@@willtheman840 why have such a negative comment?
@@delphine88313 I concur, I am sick of the negative nellies it is SO RUDE.
Love the clean up. (A solar fountain that floats would help the pond be ariated) 👍
People who live in Florida know that removing trees close and over your house is something that should be done. If you don’t, your asking for trouble. Smart move for having them removed. Storms can get really bad hear. Looks great.
Ashley looks happier and relaxed in Florida. I am glad for your family. You find joy in life. The birds are awesome. Thanks for the update of Wade!
I agree. I see a more upbeat Ashley too. This family amazes me.
As a Floridian, removing those trees was the best thing you could have done. The ground will dry out so much faster and yes....let the sunshine in. Our first rental in Florida, while our house was getting built, was a heavily wooded lot. I hated it! It was so dark inside. We made sure our new house had no trees near the house blocking the light. I’d like to suggest you plant Crepe Myrtles, they flower but also can withstand hurricane winds. Beautiful trees.
And Frangipanis
Ashley looks so much happier since you’ve moved!!! She has such a beautiful smile. I’m glad you made the move.
Definitely looks way better with a opening to the blue sky's overhead, not to mention things will dry out better with all that extra light coming in,love it👍💙😊...
You should consult an engineer about raising the house and see how high the recommended level would be, the flooding will reoccur, and keep a small flatboat for evacuating should it be necessary.
Considering the amount of time that the house has been there, I'd say it's high enough off the ground as I'm sure flooding has happened many times in the past and the house still stands.
They've already said they didn't need to raise the house. You think the trees were a disaster waiting to happen - wait until the next BIG flood comes along.
@@johanlaurasia True, but s#it happens...
If you have followed his channel, you will soon realize Doug doesn't listen to anyone. He doesn't even do research! He wants to figure it all out by himself, doesn't respect Ashley's opinion either. So, enjoy the next video when it floods again!
@@natalie-nn8jm We won't be told.
Good call on taking the trees out. It was a definite must. The wildlife there is so awesome! I know the kids are enjoying it. Can’t wait to see more!
I moved from northern Ohio to Florida in the 80's. I planted lemon, lime, peach, apple and banana trees! I had apricot trees already here. I also had huge trees removed after hurricanes damaged them. We are getting rain from Fred right now. Have fun with your new adventure.
What a project you have going on! I can't believe the Change in Ashley. I always thought that she acted like she was mad at the world when you guys were in Michigan. So nice to see her smiling again and looking really happy. Stay safe and good luck.
Your yard looks so good. It’s a catch 22 here in Florida. We need the shade on the house but because of all the hurricanes you just can’t have dangerous trees around and over the house. We got rid of all our dangerous trees and then planted dwarf varieties the produce fruit for the food.
I use a poor mans trick in the hot summer months. When the hot afternoon sun hits the west side of my house I put car windshield reflectors in my windows. I just drape them over a tension rod in the window sill. Funny but it works!
@@roseypeach8363 I have a slider that captures the afternoon sun. I use emergency blankets, the mylar kind, and they reflect it. Does help so much to block out the intense rays. At high altitude & high temps way above 90's, ya do what ya can!
@@roseypeach8363 What a great idea. I'm gonna have to try that in my west facing window!
I( wonder if you were to clean out the drain for the pond/wetland that with future rain it might reduce the flooding. In my design work in Florida, we often raise a house out of the flood level. It will help with your insurance, future water increases due to environmental conditions..... also remember to raise the well pump and A/C unit as well as the ductwork.
Solid advice. ✌🏼
It may be worthwhile to get in touch with your local University Extension office regarding plants / practices to help with soil saturation. Advice is free, and the right plants in the right spot can make a big difference.
Yup. We all pay for the work County Agents can do with our tax money. So they are a good place to go to get ideas on what to do.
How wonderful that you now have enough light to allow adding some amazing flowering Crape Myrtles!
I totally agree with Ashley. I need a house with lots of sunlight. It really makes me happy inside. Good job keeping your promise Doug. Next for trees will be 🌴🌴🌴🌴and 🌺🌸🌼
Proper land management is extremely important. Good for you in working out a plan that takes nature into consideration as well as keeping your house safe.
Don't listen to the rude a%% people. The majority are your biggest cheerleaders. You have so much positive feedback it makes me smile. You guys do you.
Getting rid of the vines and undergrowth will allow your yard to dry out faster. Yeah Sunshine!!!! Maybe dig out the pond area later to hold flooding if it occurs again. Neat wildlife!
Maverick wading in the mud was a little boy in pure heaven!! And it was so wonderful Mom letting a boy be a boy and not yelling: "Get Out of the Mud" !!! I've never seen a spoonbill, Neat!!!
@Shirley Clontz He had tall rubber boots on to protect him.
Been waiting for your upload 🥰
it might be a good idea to raise youre property around the house so if the place floods the house is sitting on an island maibe using build rubbish (bricks and concrete gravel that doesnt wash out as eazy ) and the fill the gaps with a lot of course sand and natural gravel
having less trees around the house will likely dry the ground around the house faster as well , one thing though , with the trees having been this close to the foundation the roots rotting away over time could cause the soil to sink and the house to sag again , might need to raise it back up and shim it a few more times
I hate to see a tree go but I understand why you did it. Have you considered making your pond deeper and larger. This will give the flood waters a place to go. Also you can use the dirt to raise around your house and your parking area.
Yay! You are back. I was beginning to wonder if you were washed away in the flood. Looks great after the tree removal.
I've been watching you two since you lived on the property with the old school house and deeply admire your tenacity, vision of the possible, and skills. Thank you.
Just a small suggestion because I lived in Florida for years. You have small children and you guys love animals. You may want to put a fence between your house and pond. Gators are 100% in there. And children and pets go missing every day because of them. I had one in my swimming pool one day and had to call for help.
They climb fences.. Maybe not spikey ones...???
But here in Jacksonville.. The naval base had one...
It climbed the fence... 🙄😳😳😳
ua-cam.com/video/z7DMjQJD7vM/v-deo.html
My Dads neighbor had one on their tennis court. After they built a wall..took out the trees at the rivers canal edge. It was 20 ft from the wall and boat dock...to keep their little dogs going into the water. Still a bit of grass between fence and water.
He found his way with high tide I guess up onto the dock and he climbed the 4ft tall black chain link fence. He really wanted to sun himself on the tennis court I guess...lol
Forget the 50 feet length dock along the wall! And the gate wasn't open....so they figured he climbed it.
@@anitajinfla9762 someone said one swam from below and use it's tail to propel itself 6ft out of canal onto a high deck. She said she screamed and ran and gator went back in water in Florida
Is it legal to shoot them?
@@JamesCouch777 I’d hope so. They have a baby running around
@@JamesCouch777 If I had one on my property... I think Smith & Wesson will have a go. Lol
Step family had one in their pond on 100 acres.. Apparently a breech in the fence or it climbed over.
They had grandkids that came to visit... Was told they could not kill it.
A friend ended up trapping it.. They duct taped its mouth after I guess covering its head.. Or used something to get its head.
My Dad said they put it in the lil boat and it death rolled itself all nite cause the trappers couldnt come out til next day.
Another thing I worry about are wild boars.
Step uncle killed one walking his road years ago. Said he heard it. Turned.. And it charged him...if he didnt have his bow or knife.. The boar would've killed him.
Im a city girl... That would freak me far out. 😳😳
Cypress trees will help suck up the the water and keep the pond from over flowing its banks. Citrus trees (lemon, lime, orange, kumquat,, and grapefrit etc) will add flowers, lovely scents, and bonus fresh fruit.
Looks beautiful with the trees down. I'm glad your still moving forward. You didn't let the flooding discourage you. I also like lots of light in my house.
8:13 Thanks for the update on Wade! Also, keeping large trees away from your home is a very good plan.
Just an observance - while viewing around the property; noticed the AC unit and a fuel tank. May want to consider elevating the AC unit above the flood mark to keep it protected from any damage. I moved to FL. in the early 80's, also from Michigan; there is a lot to learn about living here vs living there. Listen to the locals is a good source of information. Look forward to following your journey. TY
You are absolutely right about the transformation land cleanup can be. Cutting down those trees will help to get the sun in to dry up the ground quicker after a rain as well! Very smart decision! Also, try some of those Buggy bands (mosquito repellent wristbands) for the kids! We use them and the buggy bands are made with a natural mosquito repellent, there's no strong scent and the wrist bands look cool!--You may not need them but my kids get really big welps from mosquito bites.
Great to see you two back and dry trees are dangerous especially when bad weather is around I agree with Ashley. More light great 👍❤️🇦🇺❤️👍
Dig a retaining pond and use the dirt to bring your ground level up around your house and driveway .
During the summer months the water table is high and one 30 minute rain storm can bring the flooding back instantly a foot of water or more .😞
Please get septic tank pumped before any hurricanes
Grand plan!
Good advice 👍🏼
Doug, You don't owe your viewers an explanation as to what you guys decide to do with your property.
I have noticed you feel the need to justify your decisions. Its your choice, not strangers who watch your videos. You two are way too nice. Viewers who like to constantly criticize or create drama are Not worth having. To all those, move on, leave these nice people alone. You don't pay their bills.
Rosette Spoonbills are magical.
So glad you were able to have those overhanging trees taken down. They were much to old to leave there. One limb crashing down and the house is finished. There are enough trees left that now the machinery noise has gone, the owl will come back. I have been thinking about y'all with the rain that has been pelting down over Florida. Glad to see you were not badly affected by it. Looking forward to the next update. Have a Blessed day.
Looks Soo much Better. Hope the Mosquitos don't carry Y'all Away. Take care. Hugs 👍🥰❤❤
We also live in FL have lots of fruit trees.
2 kinds of lime trees, bananas trees, mango trees, star fruit trees, orange and grapefruit trees.
Avocado and papaya trees too. Good place for tropical fruit trees.
Also dragon fruit. We retired early!!
No palm trees roaches 🪳 love them.
Blessings
Try to raise your house as much as possible
Pampas grass attracts snakes, probably other ornamental grasses, too. I won’t grow that stuff. I do have an orange tree, lemon, grapefruit, fig, plum trees, and pear trees. Will be putting in a blackberry patch and black elderberry, too. Your garden sounds lovely.
So glad that the water has gone down and that you all are ok. The yard so very opened. That is nice. Hope it never floods like that again. Take care and God bless. You guys are amazing.
A property owner needs to manage their property. Yes trees are beautiful, but it gets to a point where trees can be destructive to the property, damage to the house, when storms arise, damage to septic systems, plugging up leach beds from roots. Etc, Good for you for taking back your property and making it safe.
you should plant some orange trees amd avacados. It was so nice, walking out to our backyard and picking fresh oranges.
The property looks so much better now. Slant the yard so that the rain water will run off into the woods away from the home. I can’t wait until the work on the house👍🏾
If it flooded once it will do it again whats your plan to keep the water away?
Robert Grambau, very good question. If it happened already, it will happen again. Especially during hurricane season. Just sayn.
Trees in Florida are like weeds. Especially oak trees. People who don’t know this climate may not understand that, but those have a tendency to hollow out and then topple over when they’re too top heavy and increasingly dangerous. Keep up the good work! Thanks for sharing!
What types of oaks grow there? I'm up north so am wondering if the species are significantly different?
@@thecrankyoldretiredlady5237 I’m not really sure we have live oaks, water oaks, at the moment those two come to mind. The acorns sprout by the thousands down here and the soil is literally too dead to grow grass around these beautiful trees. I love mine, but I’m pretty sure it’s gone hollow in the trunk making it a potential hazard.
It looks very good ! I'm like Ashley....I need light and bright! Glad things are coming along well. I live in coastal Georgia , and the wildlife here is so cool! Like my name. ..I love birds!
Me too!!
We live on wooded property. However, we cleared many trees around our house. Thank you for sharing your before and after pictures. Looks like everyday is an adventure for the whole family. 🏡🌴🦩🦢🦆🦉🪶🌴🌸💐💚
You guys look so happy! I'm so very glad for you. It is a huge transformation. Well done you. 😊
Love it. It looks so much better. And you now have places to garden. That duckweed is great for compost so as you clean more stuff you can get a compost pile going that will be really rich and full of nutrients. Can’t wait to see more.
I can’t help but notice how much happier Ashley is at this property ❤️ Really nice to see! Also great for the kids… lots to see and explore! Very happy for you guys 🤗
Love how Ashley has transformed. She has the spark that she used to when you were in Indiana and the very beginning of Michigan.
That land looks stark, but I can see how you definitely needed those overhanging trees gone, especially with Florida prone to Hurricanes. It still looks like you have plenty of shade, too. Looking forward to the rest ❤️
You guys! This looks awesome!!! So happy for you. Removing what you have will make such a difference with standing water being able to dry out quickly. You mentioned planting flowering trees. I'm going to suggest planting a couple of melaleuca trees near the pond and anywhere water tends to stand. The trees produce a beautiful white bottle brush flower and it also has medicinal properties as well. These trees will soak up the water and help keep the land dry. Hydrangeas around the house will help absorb the water as well. Just suggestions... I'm so happy you relocated to my home state. Not sure where you are and I hope the approaching storm is not your path. Stay safe, be strong and thank you for helping keep our beautiful state beautiful!! Best wishes to you all ❤️🤗❤️🤗🤗🤗
Someone mentioned to “bring in a lot of dirt”; careful with that if you are within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) you cannot bring in a bunch of earthen fill. You can bring in fill within Flood Zone “X” but not the SFHA without showing compensatory storage (you can always check with the building department).
Good information! :D
hmmmm wonder if you can compensate the filling of the land by digging the pond deeper
Absolutely they can. Just need to contact the water management district in which the parcel is located and get a permit to dig it out!
So true, in Florida they’re really strict on areas with a “wetlands” designation. Serious fines and possible jail time for disturbing them.
Looks better. I don't know if all those trees around your house were planted by the owners but we found at our place that it seems people don't understand how large trees can get. On top of the large trees you have to deal with roots damage. Always interesting to see what you all are doing! If Maverick falls in the mud he's going to look like Doug, the mud man, from your old place. :)
I would highly recommend building your house on a mound.
Now I'm not a dutch engineer,but you might know how the dutch handle the water.
In the north of the Netherlands houses situated in flood zones are build upon mounds,keeps your feet dry!
Maybe you need some dutch dikes!
Greetings and blessings from the Netherlands and keep it dry.
That owl is beautiful, I love owls, I have owl decor in my bathroom
The trees were hanging over the power lines, I loved the ambiance of the old Florida home but when hurricane season comes you don’t want to have the trees to fall on your house. So far great job Ashley looks so happy 😃
After living in Florida for 56 years I will say the best thing that could have happened was that rain storm. That it was before you finished your remodeling. This is the time to think about making a solid foundation and pilings to raise the level of the foundation up, I would go 6-8 feet high, price use to be around 25k-30k.
...
Those trees absorbed 1000's of gallons of water. Id install some type of drainage now that there is nothing to mitigate the rainwater.
I’m so glad that everything is working out. You are making good progress despite some setbacks. Continued blessings.
It looks great. Best thing to do. It will take time but you guys will make it amazing!!! Kids love the muck and mud. I did when I was a kid. Love the wild life you lucky pups. God Bless ya all. Love you all. Granny
We had a lot of moisture in our old home, once we cleared the trees, insulated the house and put gutters on the home it started to dry out. We have old wood floors that we covered in carpet until we can get them refinished and all the carpet has bumps in it because the floor flattened. We had linoleum do the same thing in our porch. I would be careful with your flooring choices until everything is nice and dry, especially if your keeping any of the flooring.
My aunt who lived in Florida had a lemon tree that made lemons the size of grapefruit. I suggest putting in tropical and native fruit trees. Flowers and food!
Always happy to see your progress. With all the trees before the house looked abandoned and neglected. It is starting to look loved and cared for now.
With the peak of hurricane season hitting us in Florida right now, you'll be glad that those trees aren't hanging over your house!
Oh my goodness!! It looks like a totally different property!!! I’m so excited to see how this renovation turns out!! 👍🏼💯❤️
So glad to hear from you guys. Praying that everything will go well for you. Stay strong and enjoy your new adventure. 😊
I noticed in the flooding pictures that there was only 4 or 5 inches of water. You could have dirt hauled in to buildup the yard by 12/16 inches so at least the parking area and the entry to the house wouldn't flood when the water rises.
I'm so glad Wade survived that flood. I was worried about her.
I think being so close to the water I'd consider raising the house up even higher than it is. Flood damage is so frustrating and expensive to repair.
Looking good ! I suggest deepening your pond or digging a ditch. Get some fill dirt and slope away from house towards ditch. And plant cypress trees. They drink up water.
It was definitely a good idea to get rid of trees over your home. Animals use it as a highway onto your roof and get in your attic. The ground will also dry up faster. You have more than enough trees for your wildlife
I lived on the beach on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for many years and one of my favorite parts was all the different birds. I’m from Missouri and it was like a tropical paradise compared to home. I bought myself a good guidebook to birds and it was wonderful to identify all of them be careful in the upcoming storm!
I am with Ashley! That looks 100% better. You will have fewer bugs now, too. You have nothing to apologize for. A person's job is to manage their home, not to let it go wild and unmanageable. There are still plenty of trees for the wildlife, they will just be a few more feet away from the house. I am so glad to hear from you guys! I was worried that you were in trouble with the water!!!
I see I am not the only one checking in on your family. Hope all is well. You are missed and cared for 😊😊
I'm glad you finally did a video. I was getting so sick of watching bad news.
i also love your barn owl.... i envy you getting to see all the wildlife florida has to offer !
a wide range of animals ! enjoy but just be mindful of your surroundings while outside
thanks for sharing this w/us ... its going to be so nice when you guys get things done ! i can see excitement in Ashleys eyes !
Ashley, you look pretty in pink. 🌸🙂
You need to redress the drainage issue. Flooding is a serious matter.
I totally agree with Ashley…enough light and sun is so important for well being
Y’all did an excellent job clearing out the trees! You still have the surrounding trees without the dangers of the other trees compromising your house and cars. It would of been just a matter of time that a strong storm would come through and the trees that you cut down could of damaged or even destroyed your house..
Land management is a tough cookie. However, with your methodical/thoughtful approach to everything you do. You have this sorted. Looking forward to every step you take. From the UK 💕
That is so awesome. I have a tree in my backyard that fell over during hurricane Irma and I can’t afford to get it removed. And now it looks like a bush. Takes up half my backyard. Also one that’s half dead. It’s amazing what you guys accomplish.
So much better to get the dangerous trees down. You are right they should never have been left to grow there. What fun to replace them.
Very nice. Also great to start a garden with that open canopy.
Misconception is if you take trees down in a wooded area it'll be bad but it actually helps the others standing to flourish. Every year you're suppose to asses your trees because of the hurricane season. Looks like things will dry out much better. All the brush is probably a scrub and removing it now doesn't mean it won't grow back later. Planting more cypress would be an asset.
My concern for your property is the pond is flush with the land, do you have plans to haul in dirt to give it a lip so it isn't flush. Do your homework for your area as far as rising water and hurricanes are concerned I'd suggest. 😊
they'll access as they go...it will take some time, but I know they will do it right.
You are so right about transforming the property. General cleanup and landscaping first can lighten the mood for the hard work of building or remodeling the home. Luckily you have your Oasis for comfortable living. ♡
My mom has old sycamores at her house in the mountains. They had to cut some down/back because some of the trees were over the house. Pretty scary! The property looks a lot better. I'm just worried about the flooding. Take care.
The before with the canopy of trees over the house was So Pretty, but it was a Nightmare waiting to happen! One huge limb could have done major damage to the house and one tree could have pretty much taken out the whole house. GOOD JOB Guys!! Ashley will be so much happier with the SUN !! Sun is a Good Thing!
so pretty in only a cinematic way ... haha.
@@sherilynl4038 YES!
The clearance of trees over and around the house was definitely essential. Looks great! Looking forward to brush / vine clearance, it’ll really make a difference
I wonder how much Poison Ivy there is there?
It's going to be fun watching yall develop the property.