I have the same tree, it's about 50 yrs old. The tree is so large it's canopy has completely covered the front yard of our 1950s ranch. I know what you mean by the leaves and the sticks, we've got that too. It's a beautiful tree but oh what a mess. It likes water so ours is planted smack dab in the middle of the lawn. Years ago, before we moved here, someone took railroad ties and tried to create a short retaining wall 2' around the base of the trunk. DH used lag bolts about 10 years ago to keep the railroad ties from seperating but the roots of this tree are so strong they've push the bolts out. And now the roots are lifting the lawn. In the 15+ years we've lived here this tree has grown in girth but the canopy is still the same. I wanted to replace the railroad ties with a more solid structure like concrete blocks but now I see that won't be possible. Nothing will survive the power this tree's roots have and now it's too late to dig a trench anyway without harming the them. I had a hard time getting anything to grow inside the retaining wall, finally I got Candytuft to work and it's done well with the roots it's competing with. All along the perimeter of the tree, I do have roses and other perennials growing, as long as you get past the drip line you're fine but underneath the canopy good luck!

if there is no drainage.. they should have planted high .. i suspect too much water ... if there is little drainage.. in a clay based soil .. throwing some rocks in the bottom of a clay cauldron is not a solution ... water trees.. when they need water.. not on a timer 'system' .. plus deep waterings in addition ... most trees need to nearly dry in between waterings .... though apparently your rain forest plants dont mind.. a tree might ... i do not favor fertilizing an already stressed tree .... you wouldnt give a sick child some steroids to bulk up .... while his feet are rotting in a swamp .... hows that for mixing metaphors .... lol only a soil test will tell you.. what if anything is missing from the soil .... all that said.. it is CA.. and i wouldnt be surprised at all if one with CA background thinks otherwise ... good luck ken

This one has obviously been around for a while. I really have not had a problem with any of the seedlings surviving in our yard. Unlike the chinese tallow tree they also have near the property line. I am constantly fighting with and digging up those seedlings. I'm not happy about the Camphor tree overwhelming my life oak stand, but more-so I'm concerned about the toxic bits and pieces falling in our yard. Have any of you heard how toxic they are in Florida? Most of the really scary toxic information I've been able to find is from down under. With all of the trees around here, especially the life oaks and pines; I'm thinking/hoping this neighbor will be like my others and amendable to removal. If that is what we ultimately decide. I've taken a close look at just removing the branches over-hanging our yard, but this is darn near the entire tree. So, dunno. Fortunately, right now my wonky legs are cooperating with the daily pick up the droppings - so I don't need to rush into anything. ~dianne

It may be mildly allelopathic, specifically, inhibiting seed germination, until the oils decompose. Unless you're using it where you are planting seeds soon, it's probably fine. The compost pile typically breaks down such compounds, which also occur in walnut trees and other plants. You can use the Search box at the top of the page to search for Camphor and find a few posts here about it.