Is it OK to put stones around trees?

When you want to give your landscape a polished look, a rock or stone tree ring is the perfect go-to.

It’s super easy to learn how to landscape around trees. With the right tools and tips, you’ll have a tree border up and running in a few short hours or less!

So, without further ado, let’s walk through how to create a rock or stone tree ring.

How to build a border around a tree

Use this step-by-step guide to place stones or rocks around your tree.

1. Pinpoint your tree’s dripline, i.e. the area directly under the tree’s canopy. To do this, make a note of the widest-reaching branch on the left and right side of the tree. The spot on the ground directly below the tip of those branches is the dripline.
2. Mark that area all the way around the tree with a rope or spray paint. Your rock or stone border should sit just outside of the dripline so it doesn’t interfere with the tree’s roots.
3. Dig a 3 to 5-inch-deep trench, making sure it’s wide enough to fit the rocks or stones you have.
4. Line the trench with a thin layer of mulch.
5. Place the rocks or stones along the trench with an equal amount of space between them. As you go, secure them with a rubber mallet. Once all your stones or rocks are placed, you're all set!
   
   

Building a tree ring on uneven ground

Adding a stone or rock border is a little trickier when you’re dealing with uneven ground, but it’s doable. You can still dig a trench as instructed above, but instead of digging an even 3-5 inches, you’ll have to dig to a depth that makes the trench level all the way around. To do that, determine the difference in height between the high side and low side, and dig accordingly to even the two out.

Landscaping around trees with rocks

The steps above cover how to create a rock garden around trees. But before you get to digging, think about what rock color and size will enhance your yard. When you have a look in mind, decide whether you’ll buy rocks or collect them from your favorite outdoor spot. Finally, remember to hose the rocks down once they are placed to clean them up.

Landscaping around trees with stone

The steps above are perfect for building a one-layer stone tree ring. If you’re building a multi-layer border, those steps still apply, but there are a few other things to keep in mind:

2. Use a level to make sure the stones are even as you place them.
3. As you stack, avoid lining up the crevices between stones and instead use a stone to cover up the opening on a lower layer.
   
   

What to put under rocks or stone to prevent weeds

Mulch and landscape fabric are two options for preventing weeds from cropping up under your tree ring. Check out this take on the pros and cons of landscape fabric.

Improving your yard’s appearance may be a top priority, and putting decorative rocks around trees could be an excellent way to begin. The type of decorative stones and beach pebbles you use will vary based on your landscaping plans, budget, community guidelines, and more. However, there are a variety of advantages to using decorative rocks. Continue reading to learn about the benefits and things to avoid when it comes to this type of landscaping feature.

Decorative Rocks with Mulch

Simply throwing decorative rocks around a tree would be a bad idea. Trees need to be protected, and without mulch or lining, the stones could heat up and harm a tree’s roots. It’s best, and often more affordable, to place decorative rocks over mulch. Even though stones such as polished black pebbles can retain heat and potentially suffocate the roots of a tree, mulch will retain moisture and help your trees thrive. The amount of mulch used will depend on the base of the tree and other factors.

Colorful Decorative Rocks

To make the area more appealing, use colorful stones and beach pebbles to highlight the trees in your yard. White pebbles, black river rock, Mexican beach pebbles, and pure gold river rock can draw attention to the trees and flowers in your garden and other areas of the yard. When choosing the accent stones, take the time to measure the tree trunk outward, then decide which types of decorative rocks you want to use and the best ways to place them around the tree.

Benefits

In addition to requiring less maintenance, decorative rocks are affordable and don’t need to be replaced as often as mulch. However, remember to use a lining that protects the tree roots. Stones are typically non-flammable, which is an advantage if you live in an area that’s prone to wildfires. Decorative rocks can keep weeds away from your trees and other plants, enhancing their appearance and reducing your work in the garden and other areas of your yard. Another benefit is that rocks can prevent soil erosion if you live in a windy environment.

What to Avoid

The roots of some trees extend above the ground, while others have roots beneath the surface. Either way, your job is to protect them and avoid cutting the roots or blocking the oxygen and water they need. Decorative rocks can be an excellent option when used correctly, especially around trees that have roots extending above the ground. However, it’s necessary to leave approximately 10 inches between the tree’s trunk and roots. Avoid using a plastic sheet under the stones because it can block the water and oxygen. Instead, an option such as spongy landscape fabric is a good choice and makes weed pulling less difficult. 

For advice on designing your home’s landscape with river rocks and beach pebbles, reach out to the experts at RS&P Rocks Stones & Pebbles, a premier landscape rock and supply superstore. We specialize in drought-tolerant landscaping materials, including a variety of colored river rock and Mexican beach pebble. To learn how we can help you enhance the character and beauty of your outdoor space, call us today at (866) 380-0580.