"Pam Moore" wrote in message
...
| On Fri, 1 May 2009 09:29:11 +0100, "Angela" wrote:
|| I can't believe the trees will thrive if their roots can't breathe and
| are covered by concrete and paving slabs. I would get it all up,
| sooner rather than later, and put a little topsoil over the roots and
| let the ground naturalise. Maybe put in some bulbs in the Autumn.
| Birches and pines are shallow rooting, and you will not be able to
| grow much around them, but enjoy them. They sound beautiful.
| The falling of the catkins may be due to lack of water because of the
| paving, but the tree wants to reproduce, and it is natural that they
| will drop their seeds, and yes, there are a lot but only a small
| proportion will germinate.
| My advice would be to get those slabs and concrete up tomorrow!
|
| Pam in Bristol

That's not a realistic option, neither affordable or practical.