Question
QUESTION: Is it likely that allowing a class (around 30 children) of 4 and 3 year olds to play (not all at once) under a healthy 30 year old Cedrus Atlantica will cause root compaction and stress to the tree? The tree is also adjacent to a public pavement which is around 5m away from the trunk; branches overhang the pavement.

Thank you



ANSWER: No I would not think so. If the soil under the tree get where it is compacted (no grass. and hard and smooth on the surface) then water will not be absorbed and will run off this area. This condition may cause the tree to not receive enough water. But I doubt this is the situation here. The heat from the pavement may cause some of the foliage on that side of the tree to dieback. But the tree should have compensated for this years ago unless the pavement is new.

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QUESTION: Thank you very much. Would you be able to recommend a ground covering that would protect the roots and enable adequate water uptake? thanks again.  

Answer
I would use an organic mulch--like bark. The advantage of bark is it will allow the moisture to seep through to the roots and protect the soil area. A disadvantage is that the bark chip are light and may float with rainfall and can be moved off site. Use not more than 3 inches deep of the bark mulch not piled up on the tree trunk but spread over the area under the tree. You can keep the bark in place by lining the are with cross tied or wooden 4X4's to hold the bark from washing. Of course this gives the kids something to trip on when running.If the area is flat the bark will not move much but will have to be added to as it decomposes. But is save for the kids to fall on. Other organic mulches are pine straw, wood chips, leaves etc.