Been in too many logo conversations where most folks over think it. The customers are "attracted" to logos for the aesthetics not the deeper meaning.
For example look at these:
http://www.complex.com/style/2013/03/the-50-most-iconic-brand-logos-of-all-time/
The tree is much more pleasant...
Great pics. Do you get much of ride when you drop a huge top like that? I would assume yes as all is relative, but since I will never be doing anything that big, I thought I would ask.
The pictures didn't come through, but without them the best advice I can give is don't ever use that nursery again. I cannot fathom them not guaranteeing their product for at least a year - especially if they plant it.
I was wondering about this being a problem when I saw your setup before you climbed (it looked like it separated well though during the climb).
What about tying the akimbo to the pulley (via throw line or something) and have the pulley-pull the akimbo up in your current setup?