I would be surprised if those trees live much longer. Most of their roots are paved over and the tiny hole for the trunk is covered in rock and glass. !!!

The concrete was put over the established tree because we didn’t want to kill it but cutting down. So concrete was out on top of the ground about 8 years ago. It’s lived (besides being in exceptional drought stricken area - don’t let the green fool you).

Oh no- break up that concrete and get the concrete out of there. it may already be too late.

I think just brown bark, rubber mulch or this mat from Home depot.

something like this maybe?

You hate that tree! You've done everything you could do to kill it.

Take away the rocks and the glass. You could use mulch, but if you want to save the tree figure out a way to water it regularly!!

I would not panic about watering the tree. The roots will stretch out into the lawn far beyond the concrete. If you live somewhere you need to water a lawn the tree will be getting moisture too. What I would do, though, is remove any material piled against the bottom of the trunk and make sure you can see the root flair. Then just use a layer of mulch.

I'm not understanding how you don't have foundation issues where that tree is concerned??? I would dig all your additives out and let the dirt breathe. Only mulch living plants with items that amend the soil please.

I have no idea how that poor tree is even getting watter on its roots with all that concrete

" I have no idea how that poor tree is even getting watter (sic) on its roots with all that concrete "

The same way that all urban street trees planted in sidewalks do. I am not sure why so many find this surprising.....unless there is no such thing as urban tree plantings in sidewalks existing in their locale. They are common enough in any bigger city.

And as floral indicated, tree roots can extend out laterally for considerable distances to seek out necessary soil moisture. In fact, the fine feeder roots that access soil moisture for the tree are located at the outward edges of the root system, far away from any trunks or surrounding concrete. The concrete is a non-issue. The only thing of concern is the poor choice of mulching or fill material surrounding the trunks.

Agree^^^. We live in eastern Ontario Canada where we have cold winters, and hot summers. I see many trees in our urban area planted as described by gardengal. In fact we had a mature oak planted just like this at the end of our paved driveway, surrounded on all sides by pavement , it is still flourishing many years later.

Glad to see a few voices of reason here over the histrionics.

I was just in a parking lot today (Texas, looks like OP is, too) that has 50+ yr old oaks that have had parking lots poured around them for well over 30 years. They’re healthy and thriving. It’s very common where I am.

I agree with using good mulch in our heat.

”You hate that tree! You've done everything you could do to kill it.”

I might need someone to help me get my eyes unrolled.

ETA: I do like your glass — maybe use it with a potted plant? I try to find unique rocks and such for my potted plants that have soil showing.

Thanks Jill, you’re right on all observations. Central Texas/Hill Country. We added patio and outdoor kitchen 8 years ago so these Tx Live Oak’s have been fine and in fact thriving and still providing much needed shade.

I do think I’ll take mulch advice from several, much appreciated by all who chose to provide a good solution, which is why I asked. I like your advice on the glass too, I think I’ll repurpose.

While not offended, I only added info to help the actual question, not whether or not we chose to do concrete around trees. Had I known this is the response I might’ve spent more time setting up the pic (as I’m taking time to explain now). I just don’t want to be too wordy when asking for advice. I will say it’s not necessary to JUMP to conclusions without knowing or asking to clarify if someone really wanted to know situation. However, I wasn’t asking for advice to strip up patio, foundation advice or perhaps what a terrible person I am for having concrete poured.

Had we “hated them” we would not have paid extra to have 2 circles and a half circle to save the 3 trees. We actually love them and hence the reason they haven’t been chopped down.

Thanks all

For those worried about water and roots, we have 34 of these Texas Live Oak’s (only lose their leaves for about 30 days a year when new growth is pushing old growth out. In our area, many tree root systems are connected, which is why oak wilt has decimated so many oaks in the area, as one tree passes it to another as far as 100 yards apart. So, please do t worry about ease tree that have been flourishing for 8 years. We do have a sprinkler system which waters the roots but during extreme drought, we can only water 1x a week. That was original reason for using lava as it holds moisture.

Just explaining that not everything is perhaps not as it seems or the same as your area, climate, solid, etc.

I meant to say how pretty your patio and yard look.

I figured Hill Country … I’m in D/FW. I envy how many oaks you have!

My DH is from Long Island and loves the Hill Country (I do, too). We’ll hopefully be your ’neighbor’ someday. :)

Thank you, the trees do fine but during summer the grass can’t be watered but so glad these trees are so hearty.
You were correct with location, pretty good with your observation, doubt I would’ve guessed :). Hopefully you will be a neighbor someday!