Well, we planted the new apple tree, J did most of the work, but I helped a little too, at least my tired back says I did. J insisted  on digging  an extra large hole with new topsoil and compost added. I insisted on it being planted two inches higher than the soil surface, which involved a tiny bit of re-filling and raised the tension of the joint project just a tad. It's done and it looks fabulous from all sorts of angles. It's going to be a perfect bridge between our yard and the neighbor two doors down who maintains a fabulous flower garden. I've noticed the more indigenous plants I add the more birds and critters hang around.