Trees

Question

I have two tall leaning Dogwood trees that look fabulous when in bloom.  They are inside my dog pen which leads off back porch deck.  I need an awning for my dog Cosmo to do her business when it is raining as she hates the rain.  I need the shade from either the trees or an awning as this is SW exposure.
I also have a huge Oak tree near the street in front of my house which I love except for the leaves falling during bad weather.
I am toying with the idea of having these 3 trees removed even though it is breaking my heart.  Should I sacrifice biodiversity and splendor for the emotional health of my dog and my own physical health of cleaning up after her is she opts to do her business inside the house?  I have a bad back off and on and also like a clean  house.  Just need a workable solution hopefully without sacrificing biodiversity.  
The awning would cost $2500.  I do not know what a perimeter back yard fence would cost on a 1/2 acre pie shaped lot.  Even with the fence there is no shelter for the dog anywhere.  She is a Beagle with a good bark but I have thought of giving her away to someone who wants her and getting my alarm system reactivated.
The amount of biodiversity which would be lost is most important to me on this deteriorating planet.
Thanks for any comment on my dilemma.  Will add photos later.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

How about getting an umbrella stand for the dog pen area?  It would be easy enough to open and close based on the weather forecast.

Trees take a long time to mature and look good...often three or four 'dog life times'  Provide some short term conveniences for cosmo...but keep the tree.

Nancy Rhodes C · Answer

Here are the pics.  Dogwoods first then the big oak tree with millions of leaves but oh so beautiful.

Nancy Rhodes C · Answer

I have thought of using the big umbrella.  Would save lots of money if I could make her get under it.  She is stubborn and not obedient except for sitting on her rugs and getting into her crate.  Outside she tries my nerves.  So you think the environment should come first working with biodiversity?

Nancy Rhodes C · Answer

Thank you for the food for thought KMS Woodworks.  My brain is working hard - like a doghouse with canopy???

Lori J · Answer

I am the proud owner of a massive cottonwood tree that spreads its bounty far and wide.  It provides shade and beauty throughout the year, is habitat to dozens of creatures and is the reason we bought the house. I would think long and hard about cutting down a tree, though the two honey locusts more dead that alive are on my hit list.  I posted some pictures of our finished yard, which I am very proud of. And we worked around every tree.

Douglas Hunt · Answer

I'm on the side of the trees as well. That big oak tree no doubt provides food and shelter for all manner of interconnected insects and animals. There must be some way to provide a little cover for Cosmo without taking down the dogwoods. Maybe there is a way to use one of those shade sails.

Lori J · Answer

http://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/landscaping/backyard-mega-makeover-413207

Nancy Rhodes C · Answer

Does the wind blow your Cottonwood leaves into neighbor's yard?  If so, how do you deal with that Lori J?  I feel guilty.

Lori J · Answer

I am in a heavily treed neighborhood.  I am just as likely to be raking someone else's leaves as they are to be raking mine.  When my neighbor had knee surgery, I raked his yard and would have done so whether they were his leaves or mine.  Our yard was soooo bad before we bought the house, I think they are so darned happy to live next to 'yard people' that it would not occur to them to complain about leaves.

Nancy Rhodes C · Answer

One would think so Lori but my neighbors are not like that.  They didn't even do anything for me during some heartbreaking losses in my family nor do they tell anyone when they have a loss.  I am thrilled they love their yards and the neighborhood looks great but love would feel better and why not both????  You sure are lucky.  My daughter today messaged me to tell them to call 911 whenever there is a complaint.  I have decided to keep my trees.  All 3 of them.  Sure appreciate your input and I will be following you on hometalk.

Nancy Rhodes C · Answer

OMG!!! This thread is so old and so sad. I have since done nothing for Cosmo except erect the big umbrella and buy her an igloo. I am keeping my trees. My big oak tree is the only full grown tree in the entire neighborhood of 12 houses on a hill top so of course I would not dream of taking it down. I appreciate that the neighbors on each side of me have immaculate grounds as well as the neighbors throughout the neighborhood. My grounds are immaculate too except for the leaves in winder from the big oak tree. I go about my busy life with the gardens and have planted one more tree after having two dead pear trees taken down. 
I had a huge mess of oak leaves during a terrible chest cold in winter 2012. The neighbors each side cleaned them up and mulched my leaves after one (the man) chewing me out face to face at my front door. I have since finally found someone to help me. I still need to know how those dead trees are erected from the ground. Spring is here and all I can think about are those raised vegetable garden beds. Have a happy Spring, Summer, and fall everyone

Nancy Rhodes C · Answer

Thank you KMS Woodworks, Douglas Hunt and sweet Lori J. Wish I had Lori J as a neighbor.

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