I have cleaned off about 70% the dam, but have some more on the back side to
do this winter when the poison ivy is low and snakes are not as bad. We have
talked about planting some Deodar Cedars or something like that on the other
side. At this point you can't even walk on the other side because of the thorns
and poison ivy. If there is a positive there, it would be keeping them from fishing
from that side. They have already approached me wanting to fish the pond and I
politely said NO! : )
The few trees we do have around the pond do drop a lot of
leaves but for the time being I'm being selective about what I'm taking out. Once
you cut a tree down it's gone forever. Oh she has already started talking about
what "we" need to plant. However when I'm out planting and look around, half
of "we" is sitting in the house watching TV or something. There is a nice little berm
around part of the pond we want to incorporate the design.
I'm finding the biggest problem I'm having with the pond is the time to work on it
and enjoy it. Retirement is not what I thought it would be, it's killing me with
everything that needs to be done. Thanks!
Welcome to Pond Boss, Jay!
I understand the desire to hide an ugly house. We have a junkyard of a property just across one of our property lines.
However, you do want to keep clearing trees and underbrush that are putting roots into your dam and/or putting leaves or needles into your pond.
I would consider planting some relatively faster-growing trees that do well in NC that you and your wife like for the appearance, wildlife habitat, etc. You can also have a lower visual border planting some nice bushes. (My wife likes it when I plant lilac bushes since they still thrive in our poor soils.)
If you get them established now, in a few years you will be able to clear out that fourth side as you see fit.
Good luck on your property and pond improvements!
