Canepole -- one more thought or alternative for the tree placement. You could also "stake" the base of the tree on the shoreline above the water level. That way, the tree trunk and the branches can follow the bottom contour from shallow to deeper (depending on where you place them) water. Such an arrangement makes great structure, great fishing spots, and the largemouths often will nest near such trees.

I'm not sure exactly how to suggest "staking." I had this idea because we used to half cut trees along the water line, push them over into the water, but still leave some of the trunk attached so it did not need to be anchored. The tree would then waterlog, and stay on the bottom. Could you drive in a couple of big stakes, and then attach them to the tree trunk? Maybe a couple of 4X4's could be driven into the ground, drill a hole through the 4X4's, and then run some steel cable to hold down the tree trunk (attach it to the 4X4's)?

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From Bob Lusk: Dr. Dave Willis passed away January 13, 2014. He continues to be a key part of our Pond Boss family...and always will be.