Introduction: How to Make Concrete Tree Rings
Why make "tree rings"? you ask. As part of a landscape, a tree is a very special plant and to give it a more formal air and enhance it's place in the garden, a tree ring adds that touch of formality and "class" to the scene. In addition, with this method, I am able to "label" the ring, or add personal touches and or tree names. It's a fun project and I plan on making at least a few more for other trees I have or will obtain.
Step 1: Make Circle Template From Cardboard
To make the ring, we need a form in which to pour the concrete. I decided a three foot or 36" ring would be adequate for my small trees so started by making a 36" circle out of cardboard.
Step 2: Use Template to Make Pattern for Forms
The circle is divided into 6 equal parts so that there will be 6 blocks or pieces of concrete surrounding the tree. Consult any geometry book or go on line and look up how to dissect the circle into 6 equal or almost equal parts. The pattern is one of these 6 equal sections. This can be traced, or when laying out the circle, use your circle drawing tools to mark a separate piece of cardboard. I wanted to make the segments 4.5 inches wide, so simply drew an inner circle 4.5 inches shorter than the large template.
Step 3: Cut Pattern and Use to Mark Wood
The pattern is then placed on a piece of 2 x 8" lumber, centered between the edges and the pattern to cut is marked. Leave several inches on each end so that the ends when cut off can be used as end caps for the concrete form.
Step 4: Cut Form Out With Bandsaw
The first step here is to cut the angle of both ends. I use the cut off miter saw for this step. The form is now cut on the band saw as shown.
Step 5: Make a Base for Form
What we end up with is the basic form of 4 pieces of wood that will have a base, or bottom, attached with drywall screws.
Step 6: Add Trim Pieces or Embellishments
I wanted to give the segments some character, so made pieces of trim as shown...these are cut from soft pine lumber, marked with the same pattern, cut on the band saw and then attached with brads and glue. After drying, I took a disc sander and tapered the trim pieces down towards the center of the form. Now we are ready to assemble the form.
Step 7: Screw Pieces to Base to Make Form
The base is attached with screws and basically the form is done. I have three different forms in total, so all pictures are not entirely representative through all stages.
Step 8: Oil Form Before Pouring Concrete Mix
Here, the ready form is oiled with a coating of vegetable oil, and I have lined this form with a piece of plastic from a shopping bag. Cut out with the aid of the pattern, then glued into place with spray adhesive. I was using old plywood for the base, and it tended to leave residue on some castings. Hopefully, the plastic will prevent this.
Step 9: Personalize or Decorate the Form
Here, I have cut out some letters of eps foam on my hotwire machine. For a complete tutorial on making letters from eps (styrofoam) go to www.instructables.com/id/Hotwire-magic-The-Art/ . This picture shows the name of the plum tree: Prunus ceracifera. The other pictures show another possibility: make the message a memorial note. A good way to remember someone or a pet, perhaps, is to plant a living memorial such as a tree, and placed their name on the tree ring. These should last for a very long time.
Step 10: Mix Concrete, Add to Form
Here, one segment has been filled and is actually ready to be removed. I found that using bagged ready mix (I buy the 60lb. bags.) it takes 5, 14.5oz. cans of mix and about 2cups of water for each segment. Try not to make the mix too soupy, rather have it be a stiff mix. Then jiggle form in two directions, and tap on sides and bottom with a rubber mallet to shake loose any air bubbles. Then let sit for at least 24 hrs.
Step 11: Place Ring Around Tree
The final step is to place ring around tree. I think it adds a lot to the appearance of the garden and sets the tree off very nicely. Thanks for reading my instructable.
Step 12: Another Ring Completed! (Update)
Completed a second tree ring as shown. Thought I would share that with the community as well.

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23 Comments
Question 2 years ago
I used veggie oil in 3 layers and the concrete is still stuck in the form! I used a mallet to carefully try to release it and it cracked (been drying for 24 hours). Any suggestions how to get it to release? If I try again, what about using Tuck tape inside the form?
Answer 2 years ago
I didn't have this problem so not sure what you did?? Sides should be removable...you mean duct tape? I wouldn't use that. Later on I made sides with cardboard. This can be lined with packing tape or plastic from bags...good luck.
Reply 2 years ago
Tuck tape is used a lot in resin molds and is a release tape....shiny. But I read that painting varnish in the mold helps. Also, there is a release spray for concrete. I have options. Not sure why the oil didn't work. But thank you for getting back to me.
7 years ago on Introduction
Could you make it the rings deeper if you need to raise the area to add soil?
10 years ago on Introduction
Hi C Man, Say, I think you made a small error when you describe making the template 41/2" wide. To get a 41/2" wide block you need to make the inner circle 9" in diameter smaller not 41/2" as you described.
Great project. I'll be make beucop of these for all my landscape trees. I hate the thin junky edging you find everywere.
10 years ago on Step 11
If you spray adhere the styrofoam letters backwards to the bottom of the mold, you'll end up with a nice negative.
12 years ago on Introduction
That looks very nice, and the permanent label is a very classy touch. Did you connect the segments in any way?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for your comment. As of now, I have not connected them, but may make a poured concrete base, much like a curb, then mortar the segments in place. That would require much more effort, but would be worthwhile in a formal, landscaped, public space such as an arboretum or park. Cman
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
I'm concerned that making a solid, unbroken "curb" or base may end up either being damaged by growth of the tree, or cause damage to the tree and /or its roots as the tree grows.
Of course, this point is moot, IF the size of the ring designed for the maximum size of the tree at maturity.
12 years ago on Introduction
Consider neutralizing the alkali from the ring leaching into the soil.
12 years ago on Introduction
Nice, adding the lettering is really cool!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Thanks Chrys. Cman
12 years ago on Step 11
Nicely done. Just one question: how do you highlight the lettering in the personalized forms? It looks like you filled them with some sort of dark material - is that it? Or did you just paint the molded-in letters?
Thanks. Good job!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Black styrofoam...see link in step 9.
12 years ago on Introduction
Don't you have to reverse the letters in the mould for them to come out correctly?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Yes, as explained in photo note, step 9. Cman
12 years ago on Introduction
This is a wonderful idea!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Thank you. Cman
12 years ago on Step 1
Wow, really nice. I wish I had a garden to make some of these.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Thanks. Cman