Hydrant Tree

In keeping with the mid-summer planning for cool weather work, this is my improvement plan for this area.

I call this spot in the back the hydrant tree because the water hydrant is behind it. This area makes me think of a picnic area. I want to use the tree and roots as a landscape feature. I put a little #2 mulch here and laid down the brick walk to get some kind of idea about what to do here. Now after some time I have the next thing in mind.

I want to see a thick spread of grass here that's about 3" deep surrounding a strategically placed brick walk or stepping stones.

I'm going to begin by removing the screening gravel in the area visible in this photo. I will be glad to use the screenings somewhere else, maybe under yon gate. For the time I am going to lay down a brick walk as in the photo, but further away from the tree and carried on between the corner of the house and the red tip shrub. I will work towards dedicating 75% of the production of #2 mulch to this area to build up the soil. I'm going to pay particular attention to keeping this area well watered. I will pluck up the unwanted plants as they sprout and cultivate the thicker, taller grass here.