How do you create a border around a tree?
A border around a tree not only looks beautiful, but is also very useful. It ensures that your garden looks neat and organized and helps keep your tree healthy. A well-placed border protects the roots and ensures better water distribution. This allows your tree to grow healthy and remain strong.
In this blog, we discuss the different types of borders, what to look for when placing one, and how to make and install a tree ring yourself.
Summary
- A square border gives your garden a sleek and modern look, while a tree ring suits a natural garden better.
- Make sure to protect the roots properly and leave enough space between the border and the trunk when placing a border.
- Corten steel is ideal for a border because it lasts long, is weather resistant, and requires little maintenance.
The difference between a square border and a tree ring
If you want to place a border around a tree, you can choose between a square border and a tree ring. Both shapes have their own advantages depending on your preferences.
Advantages of a square border
- Easy to place: The straight lines and corners make it easier to align and position the border correctly.
- Adaptability: You can easily adapt square borders to different garden layouts by shortening them or (in the case of borders) bending them.
- Clean appearance: The straight corners provide a tidy and modern look.
Advantages of a tree ring
- Natural appearance: A tree ring has an organic and natural look, which fits nicely in a natural or rural garden.
- Better protection: The round shape follows the natural growth pattern of the tree roots, helping to limit the spread of the roots within the border.
- Even water distribution: Since there are no corners where water can stagnate, water distributes better than with square edges.
The choice between a square border and a tree ring depends on the garden you want to design. A square border often fits better in a modern garden, while a tree ring is the best choice for a garden with a natural appearance.
What should you consider when placing a border around a tree?
When placing a border around a tree, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Root protection
Make sure not to place the border too deep in the ground to prevent damage to the tree's roots. It is recommended to set the border at least 5 cm into the ground. Be careful while digging and placing so you do not disturb the roots.
Space
It is also important to leave enough space between the border and the trunk. This allows the tree to continue growing naturally. A border that is too close to the trunk can disrupt the tree's growth and damage the roots.
Material choice
There are different materials you can use for a border around your tree:
- Wood has a natural appearance but requires regular maintenance to protect against rot and warping. It is also less durable and does not last as long as other materials.
- Stone or concrete is a strong and durable material but is harder to work with.
- Corten steel has a long lifespan, can withstand various weather conditions, and requires little maintenance. It also gives your garden a unique look. Therefore, it is a popular choice. In the section 'Why is corten steel ideal?' you can read more about the benefits of corten steel.
Why is corten steel ideal?
Due to its unique properties, corten steel is a good choice for borders and tree rings. Below you can read more about the benefits of corten steel:
Durability
Corten steel is known for its long lifespan. Under normal conditions, the material lasts at least 25 years. Even in less favorable conditions, such as high humidity, it still lasts at least 10 years.
Weather resistance
A major advantage of corten steel is that it can withstand various weather conditions well. Due to its special composition, including copper, phosphorus, silicon, nickel, and chromium, the material does not rust easily.
Reading Tip
Do you want to know more about corten steel? Check out our corten steel guide, which explains exactly what corten steel is.
Maintenance
Because corten steel is so durable and resistant to various weather conditions, it requires little maintenance. Regular cleaning with a soft brush and water is enough to maintain its beautiful appearance. More about how to best maintain corten steel can be found in our blog 'Corten Steel Maintenance'.
Aesthetics
The rust layer that corten steel develops gives it a unique appearance that fits well in modern gardens.
Reading Tip
In our blog 'The Rusting Process of Corten Steel Explained' you will discover how the rusting process works.
How do you make a tree ring from a straight border?
Do you want to make a tree ring from a straight border? Then corten steel is a good choice. Due to the flexibility of the material, you can easily bend the borders into a ring.
The new FLEX borders from MySteel are ideal for this. These borders are specially designed to bend the pressed variant, which is normally difficult due to the formed edge. The straight variant can only be bent to a certain angle, after which the material deforms plastically.
To create a tree ring from a straight border, you can bend a border into a ring with a diameter of between 3.2 and 4.8 meters.
Step-by-step to make a tree ring
The step-by-step plan below will help you create a tree ring from a straight border:
Step 1: Measure and mark the circumference
Start by measuring the diameter of the tree ring you want to make. Use a measuring tape to determine the correct size and mark the circumference on the ground.
Step 2: Grind and prepare the corten steel
Grind the edges of the corten steel to the correct size. Make sure the pieces are slightly longer than the circumference you measured. This way you have enough space to later attach the ends together. To grind the material, you can use an angle grinder.
Reading Tip
Do you want more information on how to best grind corten steel with an angle grinder? Read our blog 'Working with Corten Steel Like a Pro'.
Step 3: Bend the corten steel
After you have ground the corten steel to size, you can bend it into a circular shape. You can do this by hand, with tools, or by using a mold or template for the desired shape.
Step 4: Attach the ends
Once the ring is in the correct shape, you can attach the ends together. You can do this by using the connections of the borders themselves or by welding the corten steel together. More information about welding corten steel can be found in our blog 'Welding Corten Steel: How Do You Do That?'.
How do you install a tree ring around a tree?
To properly install a tree ring around a tree, you will need a few materials and tools. It is also important to work step by step and do everything correctly.
Requirements
You will need the following to place a tree ring around a tree:
- Measuring tape: to measure the diameter.
- String: to mark a circle around the tree.
- Shovel: to dig a trench.
- Level: to ensure the circle is even.
- Hammer and piece of wood: to gently tap the ring into the ground. By placing a piece of wood on the ring before tapping, you protect the border from the impact of the hammer.
Step-by-step to install a tree ring
Follow the steps below to place the tree ring properly:
Step 1: Preparation
Determine the diameter of the tree ring with a tape measure or measuring tape. Then, you can use a string to mark the circumference on the ground. Remove weeds, grass, and other debris from the area where the ring will be placed.
Step 2: Dig a trench
Dig a trench at least 5 cm deep around the marked area. It is important to only dig into the grass edge so you do not disturb the tree's roots.
Step 3: Place the border
Now place the border in the trench. Gently tap it into the ground with a hammer and a piece of wood. If you want to secure the border even more, you can use ground stakes.
Step 4: Finishing
Fill the trench with soil to secure the border well. You can also fill the inside of the ring with soil or other material.
Conclusion
You now know how to create and place a border around a tree. With proper preparation and the right materials, you can enhance your garden's beauty and keep your tree healthy. Get started on your border and enjoy a well-kept and beautiful garden!
