You saved the tree! Wonderful. It never ceases to amaze me how people plant trees and perennials without a thought about spacing needs. So sad. This tree is a beauty, I'm sure you smile every time you see it. Have you seen the John Muir documentary? it was such a wonderful show. He had quite a vision. Love the quote you included :)
Is that the one on PBS? There are a couple. I just finished watched the trailer to John Muir in the New World. There is another called High Sierra - A Journey on the John Muir Trail.
The quote I used today really gave me pause. It's very rich in meaning.