I haven't seen the photo, so I can't comment on the appropriateness of a
retaining wall around your tree, but *usually* it's not a good idea to
drastically alter the depth of roots by piling more soil on. Dry laid
retaining walls, if they are to hold any substantive amount of soil behind
them, need foundations, which also means potential messing with roots of the
tree. I'm emailing you a diagram of how to lay the stone properly. Good
luck,

Dave
Lilly wrote in message ...
(Yeesh, not sure I'm attaching this pic right... anyway...)

This is a pic of the tree in my new front yard. I'm not sure if
they're visible, but there're some fairly good sized Rhodies on the
other side of this tree, in all the whole thing is about 10 feet
across or so. The front of the house has railroad tie retaining walls
that are beginning to buckle outward, so an upgrade of those too, will
need to be done at a later date. I've always fancied rock walls with
things planted in the cervices, anyway, I was thinking of having some
big rock delivered and building a circular retaining wall, and then a
small one inside and above it, as well. I was wondering if anyone had
any ideas about that, or any other ideas for retaining walls they
might like to share. My husband and I are DIY's, and this seems like
the perfect small project for us, for a couple weekends or so... what
do you think?

As for plants, once the Rhodies are removed to better areas, I was
thinking of Callas and Hellebores in the top ring closest to the
trunk, and then St John's Wort and Vinca in the lower level. I live in
Snohomish, zone 8. I appreciate any thoughts, tips, or wisdom! Thanks!
~Lilly
Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things
which escape those who dream only by night.
"Eleonora"