One of the trees on the lot that was removed was a pine tree. This tree was dropping major needles on the neighbors property as well as on the future vineyard. The acidic needles are not compatible with the vineyard so the tough decision was made to fall the tree. This 8ft section that I am working will become the wine tasting table in the wine cellar, the other half will become a fireplace mantel for the indoor outdoor living area.
The tree, from our lot, will give provenance to the wine cellar and the fireplace. It is a good reuse of the tree.
Ron is working on our north retaining wall. We had some pretty serious rain and some slippage of the slope after we made the vertical cut. This is a four ft. high retaining wall that runs approx 100 ft. That's a two ft footing which required 9 yards of mud.
During the heavy rains we noticed our neighbors yard to the north (where the wood fence is) was not draining and contributing to our water problems. As a good neighbor, and to help our property drain appropriately, we installed a drain system for her backyard fixing the issue.
Backfilling the retaining wall, the wall has been sealed, a drain pipe put in and 12 in of 3/4 in rock on top of the drain, then backfilled with top soil. The wall is grouted solid.