How to Build a Level Stone Border Around a Tree

Tie a string loosely to the base of the tree and pull it out to where you want the edge of your border to go; a typical distance is 6 feet. Hold the string tight and spray paint every 6 to 12 inches on the ground around the tree as a guide.

Cut off 3 feet of the string and paint another line around the tree to form the inside border.

Dig down 3 to 4 inches in the area that you marked. Remove the grass and soil with a sharp shovel until the area is clear.

Tamp the soil to provide a flat, even surface. Pour a 2-inch layer of sand in the area that you cleared.

Place the stones flush against one another along the outside border. Place a level on top of the stones to make sure you are building a level border. Remove a stone and tamp the sand or add sand if needed to get the stones level with one another.

Repeat the process for the inner border.

Stack the stones on top of your foundation layer once the foundation is complete. Stagger the placement of the joints for stability.