I do PVC in deeper water with various oaks and Hackberry in the shallowest water.
Disregard the porcupines, 4" PVC with 12-18" of headspace will float from the bottom if anchored. These were tests, but I've put out a few denser ones that span the summer thermocline. They're cheap, easy to make, and don't rot.
This pic was in January. Only thumb sized and smaller limbs are used. I've done this on 3 points, and am very happy with the results. I just chase the water level up and down as I restock them. It's very good fry cover in that 0-3' of water.
