One Man, 6000 seedlings, and 45 years
Determination, a handy shovel, and 6000 trees have transformed this 11 acres in Los Gatos into a magnificent forest.
Owner Don Smith is selling his 11 acres in Los Gatos, California after owning the property for 45 years. When asked about how the property has matured over the years, this is what he said:
“When I purchased the property in 1963 it was being used largely for boarding horses. There was little vegetation as a result because the land had been used for horse pasture. There were a few very majestic redwood and Douglas fir trees.
The small houses had always been in demand for rentals as the property has a magnificent view and privacy while being near the town of Los Gatos.
I planted about 6,000 trees, mostly as seedlings, using nothing but a shovel. Each seedling also got a shingle for protection from the sun and wind.. This was done over a period of two years.. Many of these are now mature and some are more than 50 feet tall. The species of trees included Douglas fir, redwood, Arizona Cypress, and pine. The property includes a number of madrones, and oaks which grew naturally.
Apparently in the beginning the property was 20 acres. The property was divided in into our 11 acre plot and the Horton's 9 acre plot next door in the 1940's.”
This property is about 85% flat land. It has a magnificent view of the Santa Clara Valley.
Los Gatos has a rich history, including the Legend of Mountain Charlie.
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