How to fit tree rings: planting trees in lawns

Trees are a vital part of any successful garden design. Even the most miniature garden can accommodate a suitably sized tree. Trees add height, interest, a habitat for wildlife and privacy. There's so much to love about including trees in any garden!

If you have a small garden, did you know you can plant trees directly in a lawn? By using a tree ring, nothing is stopping you from upgrading your garden lawn to include some beautiful trees. By using a tree ring, you minimise maintenance and ensure that the tree gives you the most beautiful display! This guide is going to show you how to install a tree ring.

• What is a tree ring?
• Benefits of tree rings
• Sizes of tree rings explained
• How to fit a tree ring to a tree
• Fitting a tree ring after you've planted a tree
• How far down to install a tree ring
• Is mulch better than a tree ring?
• Can I plant trees directly in my lawn?

What is a tree ring?

A tree ring is a circular band of metal, plastic or stone that helps encircle a tree when planted within a lawn or paving. It stops grass or turf from growing directly up to the tree, leaving a clean and clear circle of the ground around the tree.

Benefits of using a tree ring

• Tree rings stop grass or weeds from competing with the tree for moisture or nutrition.
• Tree rings allow the gardener to mow directly around and over the ring, saving time and effort—no need for lawn strimming.
• They allow you to water the tree easily without fighting against the turf.
• Tree rings create a neat border between the lawn and the tree
• They allow you to spot-feed trees without overfeeding the lawn

How to choose the correct sized tree ring

Tree rings come in various sizes, such as:

• 30cm
• 60cm
• 90cm
• 120cm

They tend to go up in 30cm sizes. It's best to choose a tree ring that can accommodate the ultimate size of the tree. So if it's a dwarf fruit tree, then a 30cm tree ring may suffice. However, larger trees or multistem shrubs will no doubt need a 90cm or 120cm tree ring. By understanding the ultimate width and height of the tree you're planting, you can work out the diameter of the tree ring you need.

How to fit a tree ring

There are two methods when fitting tree rings. The first is if you fit them before planting your tree in a lawn. The second is retrospectively fitting tree rings if you've already planted your tree into the turf.

Fitting a tree ring before planting your tree

This is the ideal situation, as you won't risk damaging your tree. If you've already planted your tree, then check out the second guide here.

Step 1: Find the right spot for your tree

It is important before you start digging holes in your lawn that you correctly place the tree. Ensuring there's adequate space around it to prune the tree, mow around it and make sure it is not going to obstruct pathways or other garden areas.

Step 2: Place the tree ring on the turf and cut around it

Using a sharp spade, cut down around an inch or 2 or 3 cm-6 cm below the turf following the circle of the tree ring. This should be cut down beneath the lawn roots so you can easily remove the turf, and it won't grow back.

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Step 3: Slice the top off the turf with a spade

Now the circle has been cut out; it's time to remove the turf. Using your spade horizontally, slice under the ring you've just cut. Lift up the circle and then compost or recycle. Work over the soil slightly to loosen it ready for planting in later steps.

Step 4: Tighten bolt both halves of the tree ring together

Ensuring the bolt heads are on the outside and the nuts and washers are on the inside. This keeps the ring looking flush and stops you from snagging yourself on protruding bolts.

Step 5: Using a mallet and piece of wood, hammer the ring into place

A piece of wood and rubber mallet will help you fit the tree ring spike down into the ground. The wood stops you from damaging the edge of the wood.

Step 6: Plant your tree

Dig a hole 1.5 times the size of the tree root or pot from which the tree came. If planting bare root trees, then follow my advice here about presoaking them. Plant your tree, ensuring it's upright, stake it if necessary and then water fully.

Step 7: Top dress your tree ring

Use either compost or chipped bark to top-dress the tree ring. This will help keep moisture in and provide slow-release nutrients for your new tree.

Retrospectively fitting a tree ring around an existing tree

If you already have a tree in a lawn, but it is not growing as well as you thought, then you can fit a tree ring afterwards to help give the tree some breathing space from the turf. Follow the steps below to fit a tree ring if the trees are already planted.

Step 1: Place the tree ring around the tree

Find the centre by using the tree trunk as the centre mark. Don't centralise the ring on the tree stake, as this will offset the tree and look awkward.

Step 2: Using a spade, cut around the ring

Cut down to a depth of 3-6cm around the tree ring.

Step 3: Use a trowel to remove the circle of turf around the tree

Take your time with this step. A sharp trowel is always preferable, so you don't damage the tree roots. You can use a spade if careful, but I wouldn't risk it. Lift these small parts of turf and compost them.

Step 4: Fit the ring around the tree and tighten the bolts

Place both halves of the tree ring around the tree and tighten the bolts which fix it together.

Step 5: Hammer the ring into position

Using a soft mallet and a piece of wood, carefully knock the ring into position.

Step 6: Top dress inside the tree ring

Using compost or bark to help reduce competition from weeds. Water your tree well, even if established.

How deep should tree rings be fitted?

Tree rings should protrude 3-5mm about the turf height. Allowing a mower to easily pass over the ring, saving time when mowing around trees.

Are tree rings better than mulch?

Tree rings work better than mulch on their own. They allow you to mulch the tree but also stop grass from growing up around the trunk and taking nutrients from your tree. Mulching is when you add organic matter, such as homemade compost, as a top dress on top of soil. The mulch is then drawn down into the soil by beneficial insects, bacteria and fungus to improve the soil structure and nutrients for plants.

Can I plant a tree in a lawn?

Yes! Planting lawns in trees can improve your garden design aesthetic by adding much-needed height. By planting trees in lawns, you help encourage wildlife to your garden, slow down flood water and also increase privacy from neighbouring properties.

Summary

Tree rings are a simple way to help increase your garden design planting options. They make it easy to mow and can be an attractive design feature in their own right. Super simple to fit, these tree rings only take 30 minutes to install.

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If you’re looking for further garden design help or guidance, why not book one of my hour-long online garden consultations? It can help set you off on the right path and help make your garden awesome! Please take a look at my online booking here. Book an Online Garden Consultation with Garden Ninja

Happy Gardening.

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