I love the idea of Java trees. I love the look, the uses, etc. Except the price. Seeing as I can't afford a java or manzanita tree (nor will my parents buy me one, haha!) What alternatives do you see for this? I was thinking of using tree branches from outdoors near me. We do have trees that I know are dogwood, which is the only safe one I've heard of. Otherwise I know where to find ginkgo, walnut, and oak although I've heard those aren't bird safe in some places, while other places say they are safe. I would of course be stripping, sanding, and baking these branches. Once I've got the wood, I'll be setting up a tree, but do you guys think this is a good plan? I myself am not that handy, but my dad and sister are so I could always recruit them for assistance.