Step1
Measure around the circumference of the tree. Make sure you measure out a few feet, as that is where the landscaping bricks and materials or edging will be placed. With your measurements in hand, plan on paper what type of tree ring you would like. Your creativity is your only limit.
Step2
Purchase a tree ring kit, or semi-circular bricks or stones to place around your tree. These are form-fitting and come in a variety of materials such as stone, brick, molded plastic or vinyl. Make sure the tree ring will be large enough to encircle the entire tree area. Make sure when you go to purchase your tree ring kit, that you have enough storage in your car trunk, van or truck as you may be carrying quite a bit of weight.
Step3
Purchase bricks and flowers or plant materials that will do well in shaded areas for your tree ring. If you do not wish to plant flowers, but only want mulch, skip this step.
Step4
Consider using a mulch mat or bark as a tree ring and not filling it in, especially if it is a hidden or small area. This will keep weeds from spreading and dirt from scattering.
Step5
Dig around your tree about 1/2 to 1 inch deep, depending on the roots.
Step6
Snap an acrylic tree ring into place. If you did not purchase an acrylic tree ring or kit, skip this step and go on to Step 7.The procedure will vary with the type of tree ring you design. With an acrylic tree ring kit, it will most likely already be measured and sized, so it just snaps in place around the tree and gets implanted into the ground by applying some pressure on it.
Step7
Place the bricks around the tree but do not press them into the ground just yet to see how they will appear. If the bricks do not fit around your tree ring entirely, consider enlarging the circumference. Or, if there are too many bricks, remove a brick or put less space between them. If you do not have enough bricks, then consider spacing the bricks farther apart. You may want to try a few different arrangements until it looks pleasing to you.
Step8
Ensure the bricks or acrylic tree ring are firmly implanted in the ground around the tree. Then, fill in the area inside the tree ring with mulch, bark or topsoil. This is done after you are pleased with the tree ring design and wish to make it more permanent.
Step9
Plant your plants and flowers around the tree ring. You can alternate green and colored shade flowers, annuals (that need to be replanted each year) and perennials (they come back each year without replanting)--the choice is up to you. You can vary your flower choices each year if you only use annual flowers, or mix annuals and perennials together to have a nice mixture.
Tree rings come in all shapes and sizes for most trees.
Enthusiast 
