Chookie writes:
How big is the tree? Have you considered a good layer of mulch (woodchips or
gravel)? Not touching the trunk, I hasten to say.

Might also be able to wall around part of the area near the tree, cover
the roots there with woodchips or weed mat and pile on washed river sand
for a shaded sand pit area for the kid. The area then won't be wasted.
Treat it as a temporary thing, and remove the sand in a year or two. The
tree might not like it in the long term.

Don't use salt-water sand, the salt might kill the tree.
--
John Savage (news address invalid; keep news replies in newsgroup)