We finally decided to clear out the poison ivy, sticker bushes, dead trees and scrub trees. We hired an arborist to advise us on how to best protect the old growth trees in the front and back. We had no idea how much space was in the back yard, and how many great trees were hidden. The views out the upstairs bedrooms is incredible, and the trees are simply magnificent. My ongoing battle to control the poison ivy has now been mostly won, and the back yard is a usable space! We have to do some plantings along the road of indigenous grasses before the job is complete