Question
We have a 40 year old Coastal Redwood in our yard about 3' in diameter.  We have installed small stone pavers around it leaving a couple of feet around the trunk and extending out about 12' but short of the tree drip line.  The pavers were installed over a 2" sand bed with small gaps between the pavers to let water and air reach the roots.  We have noticed one branch high in the tree where the needles have gone brown. The pavers are for a patio with only foot traffic.  We are not sure if the brown spot was there before the pavers but are concerned about the affect of the pavers on the health of the tree.  What is the impact of such a patio around the tree?  Are there alternatives that will still give us a usable patio under the tree?

Answer
The method you used to install the pavers--a couple of feet from the trunk and only adding 2 inches of sand and leaving space between for water to get through was excellent and correct. the dying limb has nothing to do with the pavers. the symptoms that the pavers would show would be a yellowing of most of the crown or die back of the top. I think you did good and the pavers are not a problem.