We are now thinking of getting rid of the tree on the far right. We did trim it way back today, and cut off a few of the big branches on the bottom. It looks a lot better but still needs some work! Timbulb's wife :0)

Personally, I think the trees are way too close to the house and should be removed. I think a better strategy to control the sun would be an awning over the window and strategically placed planters on the deck.

You can get instruction books on building raised beds or retaining walls with landscaping ties. Railroad ties are soaked in poisonous substances so don't use them where you or others might grow food.

If your project involves adding dirt on top of the tree roots or up the trunk, your trees may respond by dying.

KarinL

"We have the weed guard stuff ready . . ."

If by weed guard you mean the landscape fabric that alleges to prevent weed growth, don't do it. There are very few reasonable uses for landscape fabric, and using it under plants or mulch in garden beds or around plants to prevent weed grow just doesn't work. (Do a search on this forum for landscape fabric to get a feel for the types of problems that will probably be created.) You'll end up regretting it down the road, and pulling it out after a few years is a lot of work, much more than putting it in ever is. A better choice to put under your mulch would be cardboard or several layers of newspapers, wetted down as you lay them down.

Railroad ties are fastened to each other and to the ground by holes drilled in them and rebar. Get a book with directions. I'll bet you can even find directions on line. It's quite a project. Take time to research the correct technique and do it right, so that the future owners of your house won't be posting about their "terrible raised beds." :) I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing with you. Home grown landscaping is a real adventure, but for folks like me with modest means, that's what we're up against. I think you'll have some trouble with the tree roots in creating a raised bed, but it can be done. I also agree that you should look into some man made rather than completely natural shade solutions. The trees you have there are quite behemouth for a front yard as small as yours. They are no where near full grown yet.