Wow! Your situation is almost exactly my situation! We're currently renovating that new house, and will move in this month. The Carrotwood is right in the middle of the backyard and is quite tall. I would also rather have an edible or another hardwood that I am more emotionally connected with (i.e. an Oak or Walnut) and I am loathe to cut it down. It's quite big and has sort of earned it's place in the yard - WE are the interlopers. It could make a good core to a tree house I was thinking of building for my children? I'm a woodworker, and wonder what this orange-colored wood looks like all finished? I will be watching this forum and see what other people think about this too. I'm in Southern California too. Good luck.
