 In early 1974, a low stone wall was constructed around the National Christmas Tree to provide partial protection for its roots, and currently serves as the limit of the planting bed below the tree.In 2001, a cast iron fence was built around the tree about from the low stone wall to protect the soil from compaction by the thousands of people who visit the tree annually.A temporary gravel road is constructed in the northeast quadrant of the Ellipse each year to give workers access to the tree for decoration.