Thanks for the kind words.
I never had trees in the front for any type shade, in the back I do as that is the hot side of the house west/south facing.
I put a new re-shingle roof on last summer and those new windows with that sun protect shade of color and my Electric bill this hot azz summer never went over $100.00 with my Central Air set @ 72.
As far as the cost goes, I've always been a Nice vs Need/Need vs Nice type guy $$$.
I did put down thick Weed Block fabric over the dirt and under the Lava Rock.
$6k for everything was my actual out of pocket and I ended up selling 1/2 a ton of the contrast stone as I didn't use it but they would only deliver a yard or more.....
I think I have answered all the PM's...
Robb