Thanks. My wife absolutely loves it, and I like it quite a lot. I think it "really makes" that end of the pool yard. Hence the desire to find a solution other than removal of the tree.

Now if I can just find time to replace the siding on the hot tub, remove the palm and yuka to replace with something more appropriate for in-slab planters, replumb the pool filter/pump, put in proper irrigation for trees instead of bubblers right at the trunk (combined on same valve with low water plants!), resurface the pool slab, touch-up the "rock features" (ugh), flagstone most of the dirt around the Mesquite,... <sigh>