Stones or no stones?

[hillbilly]

I have a mini tree which is in a huge pot half sunken into the ground with the bottom of the pot removed so the roots can go down. Around the top I put big stones to keep my cat from pooing there and secondly to keep the moisture in the soil.

DH thinks that the soil needs the sun and light for the tree to thrive - I disagree - who is right?

You are right. The soil needs the water and the leaves need the sunlight :)

Agree - if the soil needs the light and air it's a wonder all my plants are thriving in pots with a gravel mulch...

(we have no cats but lots of slugs and snails)

I've got several pots on my patio with small pebbles covering the surface of the compost- they're all thriving, the stones help to preserve the moisture in the soil/compost

Thank you everyone! That is what I thought!

Ah it is so good when you get an "I told you so moment!"

The stones also help the soil warm up quicker as they absorb heat. In addition to holding in the moisture and helping to prevent weeds.
The soil does not need sunlight on it, unless you want seeds to germinate in it!