How to Build a Circular Border for a Tree

Lay a circular ring of string around a tree. Place the string out away from the tree trunk the distance desired for the outer edge of the border. Depending on the size of the tree, a common diameter is between 3 inches and 6 inches around. Spray a ring of spray paint over the string to more permanently mark the circle on the ground and remove the string.

Cut the sod or ground with a shovel around the inside of the circle. Pull up any sod, mulch or ground cover inside the circle. Even out the first few inches from the edge of the paint line toward the interior of the circle. Check it with a level, remove or add soil to get it straight, then tamp it down with a piece of scrap wood to compact it firmly.

Pour out landscape sand at the perimeter and spread it out over the leveled few inches. Use a scrap of wood dragged over the sand to level this and get it even all the way around the tree.

Place a landscape brick down into the sand and tight against the paint line. Strike the top of the brick with a rubber mallet to help it settle down into the sand slightly.

Lay a second brick tightly against the first and tap it down into the sand lightly with the mallet. Keep laying additional bricks, and turn them slightly as you go to follow the perimeter shape of the sand path. Check each brick for level as you work, then use a 4-foot construction level on every four bricks to ensure the run stays even. Add or remove sand to change the height as necessary.

Position a second brick row directly on top of the first as you desire. The first brick of the second row lies across the seam of two bricks so that the seams are staggered. Place more bricks around the second row just as with the first row.

Fill the area between the border and the tree with topsoil and mulch to finish the look of the landscaping.