Big Trees began by hand digging and preparing the root system before wrapping the root ball.  Because of the vastness of the tree, they utilized special equipment, including their AG-90 Tree Spade, a hydraulic loader and a piece of rental equipment in order to lift the 8,000 pound maple. When salvaging a tree of that size, much of the weight rests in the root ball, creating an awkward, bottom-heavy tree, but the maple was successfully loaded onto the truck and transported in style to its new home in Snohomish. 

The elements critical to a successful replanting include: tree species, trunk caliper and canopy size, tree health and vitality, soil condition and moisture content, adequate root ball sizing, lack of surface obstructions (such as house foundations or sidewalks) and no overhead or underground utility conflicts. Each tree Big Trees replants is warranted, so the Lathams take great pains to ensure a successful replant. Luckily, the stars aligned for this particular maple and it was able to successfully take up residence in the bed in front of the house. To add to the "Japanese" concept of the tree, the bed was augmented with Japanese lawn lanterns and complimentary ground cover for a nicely themed look.

With the Japanese maple anchoring the front yard, Big Trees moved on to the backyard to work their magic with a multi-leveled non-linear aesthetic. The trees for this part of the yard were no less important to the overall plan, and would serve as the framework for the entire landscaping. A nice mix of color and contrast were implemented, including samples of gingko, paperbark maple, incense cedar, umbrella ornamental pine and coral bark maple. Another recycled tree from a separate site, a 20 foot tall sequoia, made its way into the mix as well. 

The project continued by elevating the bed line in some areas and creating a winding stream bed to add depth and mystery. Large shrubs, flowering shrubs and ornamental plants were added to the multiple elevations. And even with the more ornamental qualities of the yard, enough grass was left to facilitate comfortable play for the kids.

Throughout the front and back yards, each bed took on a personality representing various facets of the family's tastes. Much like different rooms in a house, the sections of the yard tapped into an array of aesthetics, from the earthy Northwest feel to clean line Asian influences. Yet all throughout the "rooms," color took command, offering hue diversity complimentarily selected to offer a rainbow in all seasons of the year.


Thanks to Big Trees, Inc. for their ideas and images.  Big Trees, Inc. is a Member of the Master Builder's Association.  For more information, visit their website at www.mba-ks.com.

To read other past projects, visit the Project Archives!