DH just finished laying 1 1/2-2" Arkansas Cafe' Flagstone in a 24x27 ft area AROUND a 20 year old oak tree. He left about 9 ft (across), free of stone, around the trunk. His prepping consisted filling on holes and leveling the area with dirt. Probably no more than an inch added to the already bare and packed top soil. For a week, he would mist the dirt and roll it with a heavy roller used for rolling vinyl seams. He bordered the area with wolmanized landscaping lumber. This area is primarily for our two Labs...yes, a $2000 patio for our dogs! Their houses, feeding station and (kiddie) pool will be on it. Now for the question. For the tree's sake, what would be the best joint filler? Planting any kind of low growing grass is out of the question because of the dogs. I don't care for the look of mortar and can't use it anyway because the tree wouldn't get the water it needs. DH was thinking decomposed granite. I thought it would be too compact for enough water to leach thru but after reading here, it sounds like it doesn't hardened unless it has an additive. And sounds like it gets mushy when wet. We're in East Texas and normally get a fair amt of rain...altho this year AND last it's been more desert like :( This Is there another option that would be better for the tree? This will also be going around the trunk. Thanks!

Monica (from the Kitchen Forum)