City contractors have been working around the neighborhood since September to upgrade the main sewer line and install new connections to the houses. I was not too concerned about the upgrades until I saw a backhoe digging a deep ditch 10 feet into a neighbor's yard one street over. I panicked a little because I have several plants in my yard that would not be as easy to replace as my neighbor's St. Augustine lawns.
The contractors kept the neighborhood updated on the progress of the upgrades with door flyers that included contact numbers, so I called the crew foreman, Bobby, to explain the uniqueness of my yard. I asked that if he could tell me where they needed to dig, I could remove the important plants from that area. He told me something to the effect of "I'll take care of you." Over the course of three months, I talked to the foreman at least three times. He said he had a couple of ideas, but he still never told me where they would need to dig. I remained apprehensive.
This morning there were workers on my street and I asked one if he could tell me where they needed to dig in my yard. He said his supervisor decided they would do most of the work under the public sidewalk and they would only need to dig a few feet into my yard. This was good news because there were not many plants growing in this area. So I moved mulch out of the way and dug out a few plants that I did not want damaged.
At the end of the day, I have minimal damage to plants and a sewer access port. The workers even replaced the mulch I moved. Thanks Dig Tec and Bobby. Note: This picture is a little blurry because I was juggling a camera and an umbrella. Yes, it was raining!
So the moral of this story is that if you are polite and ask for consideration of your landscape, you might actually get some.
Absolutely! It does work, not necessarily every time but often enough. I'm glad it worked out for you.
ReplyDeleteYou have to at least try. You never know what you might get if you don't ask.
DeleteWhew! Yea for you and your garden :-) That would be a little unnerving to see that large digger coming near my garden! Hey, how about this rain!! Wonderful, isn't it :-) Going to be a pretty prairie spring :-)
ReplyDeleteThe rain is great! Over 4 inches, I believe.
DeleteWell actually that Bobby didn't really take care of you, did he? I would have react with a very different temper if I was you, and this should make me think :)
ReplyDeleteAnyway good luck your beutiful garden hasn't been damaged!
Alberto
Maybe Bobby just did not want to make any promises he could not keep. I know he had a job to do and I told him that the first time I talked to him. I would have understood if bringing the heavy equipment in my yard was unavoidable. It would have been better than a sewer backup.
DeleteYou were quite lucky.
ReplyDeleteWhen doing some electrical work here, some 'tree experts' came in and 'trimmed' some shrubs, screening the power boxes. I was down with pneumonia and didn't get out to watch the progress. They're trimming meant cutting two large shrubs to the ground. They're idea of the small path they said they were going to do, wasn't quite what happened.
Glad your story had a happier ending.
I was fortunate. Sounds like you experienced "extreme trimming". I always gasp when I see how trees are butchered to protect power lines, but then again I guess it is better than a power outage. I just took a look at your blog. It looks like you got a lot of rain too.
DeleteHow nice of them to take your garden into consideration. So glad you didn't have to move too many plants. That could have been disastrous!
ReplyDeleteIt all worked out pretty well. It should be all over once concrete is poured to repair the sidewalk.
DeleteThat is so awesome that they were willing to work with you...and good for you being so proactive! I 'll have to remember that...usually I just pace back and forth fretting! BTW, I did see your response about the bird bath, thanks so much! Should I be worried that they don't seem to list the prices at all on their site!?!?!?! :-)
ReplyDeleteThose of us with more intensive landscapes have more to risk when there is work to be done in our gardens. Communication is the key. (Yeah, I am an expert after one positive experience.) I was afraid the workers would see my yard and think it was a bunch of weeds that did not need special care. Fortunately, when the foreman first saw the yard it was in full autumn bloom.
ReplyDeleteIf you search for the birdbath, you can find it at other online retailers. I think I paid about half that price, but it was during an end of season clearance sale. Right place, right time.
Squeaky wheels do get the grease. I'm glad it worked out so well, and you got an amusing image out of it all too.
ReplyDeleteI tried not to be an annoying squeak. Just squeaky enough to get some attention.
DeleteThat's great to hear. Just discovered your blog and look forward to your adventures. I find that if you are clear about what you want touched and not, they will most of the time respect that....if they don't, I won't call them back. But the city is a tricky thing sometimes:) Glad yours had a postive outcome.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Rohrerbot. I tried viewing your blog and had problems with Internet Explorer. I will try a different browser.
DeleteI just love your garden, so I wanted to let you know: I am awarding you the Versatile Blogger award. You can read more about it at my post here: http://dreamingofroses.blogspot.com/2012/01/1-blooms.html I hope you will accept it and have fun passing it on to others. Congratulations! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks HolleyGarden. To show how lazy I can be, I am posting the same comment I left on your blog.
DeleteThanks for the nomination! Accepting is a lot of work for someone like me that struggles to get a post out once ever week or two. I will have to see what I can come up with. Thanks again for thinking of me.
I have been a silent admirer of your garden for a year or more and love it. I have 4 acres of prairie garden in Washington county and I, too, have the passion for this type of landscape. I live in an HOA environment and it has been a long, hard fight with them but nature is winning.
ReplyDeleteThanks for leaving a comment Anonymous. I never know who is out there. Glad to hear you are making head way with the HOA. That can be a difficult fight. I would be interested in seeing pictures of your landscape.
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