Question
This may be out of your geographical area of expertise since I am in central Texas, but here goes.  We have a large oak tree (not sure what variety) growing about 7 feet from the edge of our patio.  I love the tree and the shade it provides, but it's got what seem to be runners or roots growing out of the ground around it, and pushing up part of the brick patio.  They are growing thick enough to be crunchy and painful to walk on.  I'd like to not only save the tree, but clear the ground around it as a play area.  I've tried digging up the roots, but it's not only very difficult and time consumming, I'm worried about damaging the tree.  Do you have any ideas about how to clear the area surrounding the tree without damaging the tree?  I'm willing to put the effort in as long as I'm confident I won't be hurting the gorgeous shade tree.

Answer
Hi Dana

Quite honestly any rigid surface, like brick, cement or slabs etc will always be broken by tree roots and there is nothing one can do. Hwever, if you were to remove the bricks and make an attractive and flexible gravel garden then your problems would clearly be solved. Gravel allows the roots to grow and move without disturbing anything.

See some gravel gardens at www.ecologicagardens.com

Good luck

Jonathan