Pachysandra terminalis is the only thing that I have found that will grown under my maple, period. It flourishes and eats up leafs and requires no watering or fertilization. I doubt it can take foot traffic especially children playing. My suggestion is an area of pachysandra set into a definte constrained area with a six inch or more heavy duty edging, Roundup sprayed one or twice a year on the rhizomes that will eventually work their way under the edging and peastone or artificial grass for the kids. The pachysandra, when constrained, will fill in very thick and will earn its nickname "green mulch". Left to wander it will look unkept and straggly. That's my suggestion, good luck whatever you decide. Jon

I feel your distress. I lost two of my favorite roses before I realized what was happening. They were fine one day, then the next day their blossomed heads hung low and stared at the ground. Upon closer inspection, I found the holes in the area of my roses. I dug one up and sure enough the roots had been completely severed and chewed up to the base. I refuse to use poisons as they can harm or kill unwanted targets. So, I did a bunch of research and decided on a Macabee trap. It kills quickly and more humanely than other methods. When I got to the hardware store, they didn't have a Macabee, but they had a Victor trap (I think they're nearly identical). I followed the instructions for installation and had my gopher the first day. It killed quickly without undue suffering on the animal. I don't like to kill things and do my best to live with nature, but I exhausted all other alternatives with this little devil. The rest of my vegetable garden and roses are safe. The two injured roses are rehabbing in pots with some rooting hormone. Fingers crossed they'll survive. I recommend the physical trap kill method, because poisons are indiscriminate and live traps (if you release the live gophers/moles) just create problems for other homeowners (damaging their garden) and other wildlife (may displace another non-damaging animal) .

If a grass lawn is as lumpy as the person has described, adding sandy loam is not going to help much. I use horticultural sand as top dressing to help build up the grass layer. But beneath such layer, you will still encounter the hardpack clay which because of it's quality will take a long time to straighten out. Lumps can be caused by stones, building refuse and wood, animal holes, etc. Also, when it rains, these become a muddy, soggy mess. In my own yard, I have a heavy clay area - such that when i walk on it when it;'s wet, I leave shoe prints. It will take a lot more than simply top dressing. If the lady is desperate, then add a good deal of good topsoil, have it leveled properly, and then lay down sod. This way, the grass is instant, the mess is kept to a miminum. Ianna

Another idea: Our next door neighbors, Carolyn and James, did attend the hunt in the greenbelt. They have also attended most of our family events, including Easter, for the 17 years they've lived here. James is always trying to sneak me money for the yard stuff I do over there and I sneak it back. It's like a cat and mouse game. But this time I think I smell a rat and its name is James ... LOL!!!!! I'm going to have to have a talk with that man! Stay tuned ....