We are homeowners!

[Melrose Plant 1]

Mai and I closed on a house last Tuesday, and we are heavy into sprucing things up before we move in, probably towards the end of this month. We are both really pleased with our find (after more than a year of searching), and look forward to living in this house for many years to come. This house is old, probably 100 years old.

Potential--OK scratch that--Actual arguments: Trees and floors. She wants to cut down a perfectly good hard Maple tree in our yard, for reasons I just don't understand. Something about that it prevents the yard from being "square." She doesn't understand that removing this tree would probably cost at least $1000, and in spite of this lucrative sum, no tree service around here would agree to cut it down without a great deal of arguing. We have enough bad trees around here to keep them plenty busy.

Who doesn't love hardwood floors? There is a beautiful hardwood floor underneath the stinky and worn out carpet in our new house. She wants to get new carpet. Over my dead body. I can refinish the floor myself for cheap (this would be my fourth such experience), or we can spend a hell of a lot of money on wall to wall carpet. I'm going to try to sell her on Royal Palace rugs on eBay/QVC. They are VERY nice, removable and classy over hardwood floors. Sigh, Asian wife--difficult life! Life is good, folks.

[Abby-Ron 8]

:D

[KC♥MP 0]

Mai and I closed on a house last Tuesday, and we are heavy into sprucing things up before we move in, probably towards the end of this month. We are both really pleased with our find (after more than a year of searching), and look forward to living in this house for many years to come. This house is old, probably 100 years old.

Potential--OK scratch that--Actual arguments: Trees and floors. She wants to cut down a perfectly good hard Maple tree in our yard, for reasons I just don't understand. Something about that it prevents the yard from being "square." She doesn't understand that removing this tree would probably cost at least $1000, and in spite of this lucrative sum, no tree service around here would agree to cut it down without a great deal of arguing. We have enough bad trees around here to keep them plenty busy.

Who doesn't love hardwood floors? There is a beautiful hardwood floor underneath the stinky and worn out carpet in our new house. She wants to get new carpet. Over my dead body. I can refinish the floor myself for cheap (this would be my fourth such experience), or we can spend a hell of a lot of money on wall to wall carpet. I'm going to try to sell her on Royal Palace rugs on eBay/QVC. They are VERY nice, removable and classy over hardwood floors. Sigh, Asian wife--difficult life! Life is good, folks.

Congratulations on your new house!!! . It seems that you have more convincing to do about the maple tree and floors

[KimandRuss 0]

poor you.

congratulations on your new home.

I say the trees stay! Why would you want to cut down such a beautiful tree unless it was dying!? Wait till she sees how pretty they are in a months time. Also remind her that they block out some noise and offer privacy.

Oh...and im with you with the hardwood's too! A lot easier to keep clean and much longer wearing than carpets!

good luck with all that.

[Dau_Que 0]

We do have an "Off Topic" Forum. This Forum is for Immigration-related, specifically for the named region of the world.

PS> I just ate 2 delicious Lemon creme donuts and a whole Banh Trung Thu (Moon Cake) for my breakfast this morning............noone cares, right?........That's right!

[Melrose Plant 1]

We do have an "Off Topic" Forum. This Forum is for Immigration-related, specifically for the named region of the world.

PS> I just ate 2 delicious Lemon creme donuts and a whole Banh Trung Thu (Moon Cake) for my breakfast this morning............noone cares, right?........That's right!

Yeah, but this is more like the SE Asia family here. Over there at the Off Topic, it's a very strange place.

Also, see here:

Regional Discussion

This Forum is dedicated to discussion on the major regions around the world. Topics of discussion may include travel, moving, what to eat and any other experience you may wish to share or inquire about. Have fun!

And dammit, you WILL have fun.

[KimandRuss 0]

And dammit, you WILL have fun.

somehow I doubt this.

I guess us organizers just aren't doing our jobs to some people standards.

[luckytxn 2,264]

Melrose. Just ignore the clueless.

All I can say is please do not just take down a healthy tree. As an alternatative I would suggest to do what I do for my yard and friends and that is to do a clean up of the said tree. I go an clip and saw any branches that are 6 foot and lower off and then go around it and trim off any branches that make the tree look " Out of whack" so to speak. Then I go in and trim out any clutter and do what is called a thinning. The said tree should then look more appealing and could possibly save it from it's execution.

Also make sure there are no laws that would impose a severe penalty for cutting down any trees. In my area there is a severe restriction against cutting down any tree over so many inches girth unless the tree is severely damaged or sick. Also some neighborhoods have an ever more stringent restrictions.

I have always been good with any plants and bushes and trees and even had my own business at one time. Unfortunately for me my friends and family remembers this.

Hard wood floors are tough to beat if done right. It seems that you know how so I would suggest maybe letting her see some pics of one that has been restored. If restored right and some decent throw rugs as you suggested and she will definately see the beauty. I wish I was in your shoes and had this opportunity. I am selling my house now that is too large for me and will be looking for a smaller place and already am planning on keeping my eyes out on one with nice hardwood floors.

Congrats and good luck on the home. Life is good and even better when you have someone to enjoy it with.

[luckytxn 2,264]

Oh. If I may be permitted with another bit of unsolicitated advice. I understand I think what she meant about the yard not being squared with that tree there. Another solution is just do make a few new flower beds to square a yard up. Even maybe making a easily made walk to or around the tree and maybe even placing a bench under the tree to take advantage of the shade.. A few well placed walk stones can do wonders.

Of course saying it is easier than doing it but I believe you know what I am saying here. This is a cultural difference that can maybe be overcome by having her see potentials and even some pics of before and after results.

Edited September 7, 2008 by luckytxn

[Melrose Plant 1]

Never fear, folks. I'm sure the tree will stay. Once she finds out how much money it will cost to have it removed, plus my vehement opposition to it, she will change her mind. I am just not understanding why she wants to have it cut down in the first place. I will ask her again over dinner and see if I can understand the Vietnamese mind some more.

BTW, none of the neighbors have nearly as many trees as we do. Maybe that has something to do with it?

[luckytxn 2,264]

Melrose. If you get any insight into the Vietnamese mindset please give me pointers. I definitely need all the help I can get.

[ronjie 0]

YOU should explain to your wife that trees like any other landscapining in the yard add real value to your homes worth. just think of what a small tree would cost to buy and plant. and then multiply it by 50 or 100 for a mature tree. now keep in mind the priorty should be your home first. so the tree should not be to close to the house causing damage to the roof (could be elevated away from the roof) . and the root system should not be lifting at the foundation, walkways, driveway or entangling in the septic or drainage system. although roots can be trimed to an extent, just not as easy as the branches above. also any branches over the roof should have approx. 10-14 foot clearance, each tree is differant and it depends on their size. this will help on your utility bills (free airconditioning). what you should look for is a tree that is in balance with your home. have an arborist visit your home for a free evaluation of the safety of your trees. deadwood and broken or damaged limbs should be removed. you don't want them to fall and hurt anyone. especially if children play under the tree. there are signs that an arborist may pick up on that you would not. like mushrooms indicating dry rot and weak wood. good luck and feel free to pm me if you have questions. trees have been my business for over 20 years.

Edited September 8, 2008 by ronjie

[Dave_Thao 0]

Congrats James. You got a house just in time to teach Mai how to rake leaves. Oh wait! Then she would really want to get rid of that Maple!

[luckytxn 2,264]

Has the tree received a reprieve yet?

[Melrose Plant 1]

Has the tree received a reprieve yet?

Yeah. The cost alone made her eyes get as big as saucers. We're already paying $300 to have some major trimming work done for safety reasons. There are 2 other trees that will have to come out. 1 of them is dead, and 1 of them is rotten in the middle. But, I did some measuring today, and they are clearly on city property! HAHA! Now it's their problem.