Help for a Heavily Wooded BackYard

[crimsonvalkyrie]

Hi everyone,

I have a backyard that is a forest. Right now my home is for sale and the comments I have received have almost all been about the back yard. Now there is an easement that runs across my back yard that is protected wetland. (Just in the bottom of the easement). I am short on cash and short on time. I have cleared about 1000 sqft of a hillside, but I am unsure of what to do with the far side. I was wondering if anyone had suggestions. I have about 30 large trees which I enjoy the wonderful shade they give and I have about 8000 sqft of useable (non wetland) forest. Looking for ideas that are cheap. Man power is not an issue, I have plenty of time to work and friends to help.

[TrickyDick]

I would guess you'd get a better response with a more detailed description of the property and what the problems are with it. Pictures would help too.

[P-Train]

Make a walking trail made of mulch that winds back to the start.

On each side of the trail randomly spot rhododendron, azaleas, ferns and boulders. Maybe a seating arrangement somewhere along the path.

Then your 'forest' is now a 'nature trail'.

[HardDaysKnight]

The phrase "protected wetlands" concerns me. I would ask your
local officials to stop by and make sure you are not violating any zoning or DEC laws. I have seen this too many times and the
fines and revegetation costs are through the roof.
Sell your home and the property is as it stands. If the buyer wants to cut down trees...go for it. If you cut down the trees,
the next prospect could say... "It's a nice home but, not enough shade trees."

[LandArts]

I would guess any negative reactions from potential buyers were due to one of two things-lack of a pleasant space to relax and entertain off the back of the house-or-the view from the house was less than great.

Keep the forest.