Tree holes previously dug on the south and east side of the circle had been completed as far as possible. The backhoe with jackhammer attachment will be needed to penetrate heavy concrete in those areas. About eight of the men worked in rotation on the north tree hole, the eventual home of a pine tree. The top two or three feet of the designated spot was composed of various sized chunks of old concrete mixed in with dirt. Obviously somewhere back in the 70's when the circle was crafted, the broken cement was thought to be good fill prior to covering the area with dirt and then planting the ivy.
Our design was to make sure we penetrated the pavement below the circle to ensure that the roots of the tree would have some place to go. There was a layer of black top probably two inches thick and then we got into a layer of concrete that had pretty well rotted over the years. Using an iron bar, and axle from some ancient vehicle, a pick axe and several shovels we worked at the hole until we got it as deep as we wanted.
This fall, about the time the rains begin, we will be putting the trees in the ground and planting several species of native plants as well. Helping hands are always welcome. It was a delight to have a neighbor bring some cookies and lemonade for refreshment.
