Our Pooh Tree: Before and After

So our front yard tree which intercepts our front walkway had to come down today.  It was hollow from bottom to top.  Our first tip off was the Pooh Bear opening at the base.  A tree service surveyed it and it was hollow throughout.  One bad storm and it could've snapped, or not, we'll never know for sure.  We are sad to lose a lovely tree which provided lovely shade but we now have peace of mind that it won't come down on our house.  

 See the Pooh Bear opening.  Or maybe Piglet.  We always wondered why we never saw a critter living in there, or hiding, or storing nuts, now we know.  Diseased and full of carpenter ants and beetles.

  I think the house looks great without the tree, better curb appeal.  We may, however, plant a Japanese Maple.  What do you think?