Bill, I have trees all around my pond even though the nearest one is 30 ft from the water and mostly a pine thicket. Very very few hardwoods. No doubt V4, if your poles end up in the water you will eliminate the raccoon and snake invasion. Did you concrete them in the ground? Flying in and out...they can get pretty rowdy!Good luck with your new fishys too. Are they feeding well?

Dear Alcohol, We had a deal where you would make me funnier, smarter, and a better dancer... I saw the video... We need to talk.