Question
To try and keep the cat out of the tree we put a layer of stone on top of the soil about 3 weeks ago.  Is this going to be a problem to the tree?  Should I repot the tree with fresh new soil?  If so should I do it now or wait?  Thanks
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Followup To
Question -
I have had this ficus tree for several years and while it always seems to she some leaves during the winter months (I live in RI) this year it is shedding so many I can hardly keep up with cleaning them up.  I had repotted the plant, cut away at the roots to open them (b/c they were all matted around one another) in Sept.Oct and I also noticed around the same time that my new kitten had been using it as a litter box.  I solved that problem and he no longer uses it however could some of his urine (not sure if he did) or his feces (I know he did) caused the tree to get some type of disease?  I noticed there were small gnats flying around the base as well as a few worm like insects.  I called the nursery I got it from and they told me to put the tree outside for days to free it from the bugs.  When I did take it back in I noticed some bugs but not as many so I bought some Ortho?Home Defense?Indoor Insect Killer.  Sprayed it on the bugs, in the soil and on the trunk of the tree.  Leaves had started dropping like crazy by this time. When the bugs were still there after another month I took about two inches off the top of the soil, put new soil in it, and watered it (most of the water drained right to dish immediately)  A week later I watered it with fertilizer (Miracle Grow) and the water did the same thing.  The leaves keep falling off and I really want to save this plant.  All I can think of now is to wait until the weather gets nice again (another couple of months) and put the tree outside to get some healthy sun, air, water, etc.  Please any help is greatly appreciated.  I don't want to lose this tree.
Thanks

Answer -
Carol-Lynn,

The dropping leaves indicates a root problem. You root pruned and repotted your ficus at the wrong time of year, that should be done in the spring when plants are beginning to grow again. The tree is semi dormant in the fall and winter. The fungus gnats indicate that it is being overwatered and the roots are rotting. The damaged root ball in the larger pot cannot absorb the water as quickly as you are giving it. The cat feces and urine could have further damaged the roots. Move it to the sunniest location possible in the house and stop watering it. Do not water for at least 2-3 weeks until the soil feels very dry and the plant feels light weight if you tip it slightly. That should reduce both the dropping leaves and the fungus gnats. There will be plenty of moisture lower in the pot even when the top 3-4 inches of soil feels dry. The water drained into the dish quickly becaquse the soil was already saturated. Keep it on the dry side for the rest of winter and give it more light and it should survive until spring. Good luck.

Darlene

Answer
Carol-Lynn,

No, the stone will not cause a problem. Did it solve the problem with the cat?  If not try sprinkling a bottle of dry cayenne pepper powder over the stone. That will stop the cat.  Just be sure to dry the plant out and keep it on the dry side. Also move it to the sunniest location you have. Those two things are the most important!

Good luck.
Darlene