From Deck to Patio: Before Photos

Because of some rotting boards, our old deck, constructed in the Spring of 1992, was nearing the end of its life. In addition, after our dog Misha died in 2004, wildlife gradually started taking up residence under it despite our best efforts to keep them out. During our year and a half absence from the house after late 2007, it seemed as if a "wild life tenement" developed! When we moved back into our house in the early Spring, a giant groundhog, a skunk and raccoons all had taken up residence (a dead raccoon was "waiting" for our return rotting in the window well under the deck when we moved back into our house while a somewhat sleepy large one waited for the construction crew to begin taking apart the old deck this week before making its exit!) Watching the skunk emerge for a "stroll" just before dark, did not add to our dinner time enjoyment - or to our peace of mind when putting garbage out into the bins in the side alley in the dark.

This is the south end of the old deck. The bare branches on the left are a lilac which, because of lack of light, was not doing very well. I decided to have it removed. That left a decision as to what to put in its place... a Japanese Bloodgood Maple, a Dawyck Purple Beech or Sambucus (Black Lace Elder). Decisions, decisions!

The two large grape vines had some drastic trimming before the construction was to begin. This worried Paul. In the end, I had the vine on the right taken out because its roots extended mainly under the deck. Apparently, because of the slope of the backyard lawn, water had drained towards the house. Many years ago drainage angling across the back yard was constructed and connected to the eavestrough to the right of the kitchen. This is considered "backward drainage" and Toronto is now disconnecting these drains from the storm sewers.

Although I blocked off the critter holes morning and night, they were easily reopened. The night before the construction was to begin, I removed all the barricades. The resident(s) must have been worried because I found a new hole on the south side in the morning.

This is the north end of the old deck. If you look closely you can see the critter hole in the middle. There is also another one behind the clematis on the trellis.