How to Make a Tree Ring

Create a brick ring around each tree to enhance landscape appeal.

Serving a functional and decorative purpose in the landscape, a tree ring forms a barrier around the tree that protects it from lawn mowers and weed infiltrations. It also provides growing space for your favorite flowers that dress up the bare soil under the tree with attractive colors and forms. Although made from a variety of material, tree rings made from paver bricks add a polished look to the area and enhance the appeal of the space.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Powdered chalk
• Paver bricks
• Shovel
• Gravel or sand
• Plate compactor
• Rubber mallet
• Weed fabric
• Compost
• Topsoil
• Plants

Instructions

1. Mark a circular ring over the soil around the base of the tree using powdered chalk. Space the ring 3 to 6 feet away from the tree. Also mark the second ring, called the outer ring, parallel to the previous ring using powdered chalk. Space this ring the length of one brick paver plus one inch apart from the previous mark.

2. Remove existing vegetation between the two circular marks using a shovel. If possible, roll up the sod along with two inches of turf and reuse to patch bare spots in other parts of your yard. Excavate the soil to a depth of three to four inches. Tamp the soil with the back of a shovel to level it, so the soil ring around the base of the tree is flat and even.

3. Spread two inches of gravel or sand over the base of the exposed soil in the trench and level with a plate compactor.

4. Lay paver bricks for the first wall or course of the ring. Place a brick over the base of the excavation, with its narrower edge against the inner ring and wider edge resting snugly against the outer ring. Tap the top of the brick with a rubber mallet to set it in place. Repeat the process of laying bricks in this course until you reach the end.

5. Step back and inspect the bricks in the foundation course. Walk around the tree to ensure the tops of bricks are level. If necessary, remove a brick and re-tamp the soil under it, or tap the stone in place using a rubber mallet until its top is in line with the tops of the surrounding bricks.

6. Lay bricks in the second and third rows the same way. Stagger the bricks to ensure your tree ring does not feature continuous vertical seams. Make sure each brick on the second course rests directly over the join between two bricks directly below. Continue laying rows of bricks until the tree ring is 10 to 12 inches high.

7. Lay a sheet of weed fabric or landscape cloth over the base of the tree ring to prevent weeds from infiltrating. Mix equal amounts of compost and topsoil and add to the tree ring until four inches from the top. Plant your favorite partially shade-loving plants in the prepared space.

References

• The Home Depot: Landscaping DIY Projects: Build a Tree Ring