The Tree and the Bricks

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

FJ asked a quesiton in the main area of this group about covering the trunk of the tree with dirt, how far out, will it kill the tree?

Here is a visual of our LAST outdoor project of the summer.

The Tree--The Mud--Starlit's love to dig and sleep spot.

Here is  the problem.  Want and need the shade but not the dirt. Sorry Starlit, but I promise to find another way to keep you cool.  This area used to be grassy.

Thought we could landscape it somehow and build a small garden. possibly an Amoeba shape of some sort around the tree.

Have this truck load of brick from FJ's old house..  that need to go somewhere and out of my driveway. 

 

I wanted them around the TREE.. FJ  is concerned it will kill the tree.

So what to do with bricks?  What to do with Starlit's outdoor bed of play mud?

The tree and the shade are the most important! 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have called mine. In NJ we have county extension agents. The general answer people are OK but usually not helpful with more difficult questions. They have minimal training. The cooperative extension agent him or herself is more educated in horticulture and can help with tough questions. I sometimes have called the agricultural college down in Rutgers, here in NJ. The professors there may be doing research on things you want to know about or can steer you in the right direction. I call with questions like"What are good dwarf tall fescues?". What an oxymoron but I kid you not there are such grasses that allow you to mow less. But your tree is common and the answers about the root zone are right here or online : )

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

In California the entire root zone under the umbrella of many trees is covered with large or small rocks or bricks and it does not harm the trees at all.  I would suggest looking up information on the internet about your tree and its root zone.  I taught summer camp for years under a huge several hundred year old Live Oak tree in an arboretum.  The tree had a circular wooden bench around its trunk and the entire root zone was covered with "loose" brick ( no mortar) set in what I think was several inches of sand. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I think most trees can survive having something on the roots as long as moisture and air can get into the soil. But the trunk cannot be covered to a depth of a couple of feet.

[F, Calla & Luca]

And pachysandra roots easily in water so you can cut some down after a while and have more plants to fill in. It spreads well on it's on too but plating thicker is quicker : )