Thanks again for very good advice. I will definitely try to be patient. I think just having any sort of greenery in there will help a lot. Now it just seems like a mass amount of wood. I think we will be okay if we plant it now, like War Eagle said. We had a nasty winter and the ground is finally thawed enough to dig. So long as we don't let them dry out back there, but in general, it is always moist and we will keep them watered generously over the summer. I have one more question - rather than extend our line of trees all the way across the back to the corner, i'm thinking of ending it at the corner of the pool, right before the waterfall that goes into the pool (which, right now, is a few two-by-fours that look like a football goal. We will eventually build a stone wall below it on that angle of the pool for visual interest.) That corner behind the waterfall is where we keep the pool's electrical box and heater. There is about a 5x5 foot space back there in that corner in front of the equipment. (see photo below). I wanted to plant something different that will contrast the Degroots Spire and be larger and grow above the waterfall. Could even be something deciduous as long as it's not messy over the summer when the pool is uncovered. We generally close our pool at the end of September before the leaves fall. Keeping in mind that back corner is moist, can you suggest something that can go back there (and that the root system won't mess with the pool's underground pipes too much? Or should i just run the Degroots all the way to the corner? Thanks again in advance! Denise

Code in Vegas valley is 3 feet from waters edge to property line. Most folks do 18 inches of pool coping and 18 of landscape rock with a few small plants thrown in for color. I've seen some pretty tight yards, still enough room to walk around to clean etc. Just got to watch you don't fall in when its 40 degrees outside. Any water feature adds to the ambiance of the yard, kids will adapt to the size. Add as much deck as you can, prohibit diving and go for it. hth, Barb

plant a palm tree or a big fern like bush similar to the one you already have in the square area. The seating area needs steps, leveled and poured concrete or fake grass.

Inground pools - Oh, the things to consider! Deep research is your responsibility. Many areas "discount" electric cost during evening hours, hence you run the filter at night, but NOT under your bedroom. Size (gallons per minute) of pump, size of piping lines, and having two "returns" (top edge filter AND bottom drain) make a big difference (time of filter run). Pool companies are loath to explain the options as they do cost extra. Winterizing isn't a big project once you learn how.