I like that you took more then just a branch, I think it was extremely hard to enter a challenge with so many entires. I do like the fact you tired to stay away from just a tree branch and incorporate other ideas.
Very interesting tree. I think the black and white was a great choice. I think the tree is just a little to bright for the surroundings. The lighting on the backdrop is interesting and makes me wonder if it was cloudy at the time.
I would be interested to see the subject placed a little differently. Sometimes I play wit the positioning just to see. I think the eye is almost drawn to things that are off center. Also I would have been interested to see the noose up a little higher and over a little more to the left, like something could have been hung. Also I am personally glad you did not put anything in the noose.