I know you hate to lose the shade but the danger is gone and the light opens so many possibilities.
Cher

Please consider planting another tree, maybe further from the house? They provide so much good as far as shade, wind protection, structure, and living space for wild life. Maybe a native oak or an evergreen? Good luck in your new yard.

Martha

Through the years we lost most of the shade in our back yard. Initially had just enough to grow a small garden. Now the majority of my flower beds are full sun. I have planted new trees as we lost the old pines and they're growing much quicker than I anticipated. Now we have a variety that includes bald cypress, nuttall oak, river birch, winged elm, 3 crape myrtles, 2 swamp red maples and a couple citrus.

Yes, you're right, but you know what, I started counting the younger trees in the backyard, have desert willow, a peach and pear tree, fringe tree, crepe myrtle, Chinese Umbrella, redbud (with one more waiting to be planted), plus 2 vitex pruned to be trees. They're not big yet, but maybe this will work in the long run! Am thinking of getting a Shantung Maple which doesn't get huge. Also have 3 huge native oaks plus a Redoak in front, so really can't complain treewise!