How to Put Paver Stone Around the Tree

April 22, 2025

Creating a beautiful and functional space around a tree with paver stones can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden or yard. Not only do paver stones help to define the tree’s area, but they also add a stylish and durable feature that can last for years. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of how to put paver stones around a tree to create a stunning and practical landscaping feature.

Why Use Paver Stones Around a Tree?

Before jumping into the process, it’s important to understand why you should consider using paver stones around a tree in the first place. Paver stones are an excellent choice for several reasons:

Aesthetic Appeal: Paver stones can transform a plain area around a tree into an attractive feature. Whether you choose classic or modern pavers, they can complement your landscape design and create a neat, uniform look.
Durability: Paver stones are long-lasting and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Unlike mulch or grass, they won’t need to be replaced or replenished regularly.
Low Maintenance: Once installed, paver stones require minimal maintenance. They are easy to clean, and unlike wood chips or mulch, they won’t wash away or attract pests.
Prevent Weed Growth: Paver stones form a solid surface that helps prevent weeds from growing around the base of the tree, which reduces the need for constant weeding.
Protect the Tree: Installing paver stones correctly can prevent damage to the tree’s trunk from lawnmowers or other garden equipment. It can also reduce the amount of moisture around the tree that might encourage rot or disease.

Now that we understand the benefits, let’s dive into how to put paver stones around your tree.

Step 1: Plan and Measure the Area

The first step in installing paver stones around a tree is to plan the area. You need to decide how large the stone circle will be and how far you want the pavers to extend from the tree trunk. Here's how to do it:

Decide on the Shape: Paver stones can be arranged in a variety of shapes, such as circles, squares, or freeform. A circular shape is the most common when surrounding a tree, as it creates a natural and flowing design.
Measure the Radius: Use a measuring tape to determine the radius around the tree. The radius should be large enough to allow the tree to grow but small enough to avoid overcrowding. A good rule of thumb is to create a circle that’s at least 18 to 24 inches from the tree trunk, but this can vary depending on the size of your tree.
Mark the Perimeter: Once you have the desired radius, use a garden hose or string to mark the perimeter where the pavers will go. This will help you visualize the area and ensure a uniform placement of stones.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground

Proper ground preparation is crucial to ensure that your pavers remain stable and level for a long time. Here’s how to prepare the area around the tree:

Clear the Area: Begin by removing any grass, weeds, or debris from the marked area around the tree. You can use a shovel or hoe to dig up the grass. Be careful around the tree roots to avoid damaging them.
Dig the Base: Use a shovel to dig down about 2 to 3 inches deep in the area where the pavers will be laid. This will create a stable foundation for the stones and ensure they don’t shift over time. If the ground is soft, you may need to dig a little deeper to create a firm base.
Level the Ground: Use a rake or a board to level the ground, making sure it’s even. This step is crucial because uneven ground can cause pavers to become misaligned or sink over time.
Add a Layer of Sand: After leveling the ground, spread a 1-inch layer of coarse sand over the surface. The sand helps to create a smooth surface for the pavers to rest on and provides drainage for water.

Step 3: Lay a Weed Barrier (Optional)

If you're concerned about weeds growing up through the paver stones, consider installing a weed barrier before placing the stones. A weed barrier fabric is typically made of a woven material that allows water to pass through but prevents weeds from sprouting.

Cut the Fabric: Use scissors to cut the weed barrier to fit the area you've prepared. Lay it over the sand layer, ensuring that it covers the entire base area and extends slightly beyond the marked perimeter.
Secure the Edges: To keep the weed barrier in place, you can use landscape staples to secure the fabric to the ground. This will prevent the fabric from shifting as you lay the pavers.

Step 4: Lay the Paver Stones

Now comes the fun part—laying the paver stones. Follow these steps to ensure the stones are laid properly:

Start with the Outer Edge: Begin placing the pavers along the outer edge of the marked circle, following the outline you created earlier. Arrange the stones in the desired pattern, whether it’s a simple row or a more complex design. Start by placing the pavers gently on the sand base without forcing them into position.
Continue Laying Pavers: Continue laying the pavers, working your way toward the center of the circle. Make sure each stone is aligned with the adjacent one, and keep the gaps between the stones consistent. You can use a rubber mallet to gently tap the pavers into place, ensuring they are snug against each other.
Check for Level: As you lay each stone, use a level to check that the pavers are even. If a stone is too high or too low, adjust it by adding or removing sand underneath.
Fill Gaps Between Stones: Once all the pavers are in place, fill the gaps between them with sand or a fine gravel mixture. Use a broom to sweep the sand into the cracks, making sure the gaps are fully filled. This will lock the pavers into place and prevent them from shifting.

Step 5: Edge the Pavers (Optional)

To give the paver circle a clean, finished look, you can add edging around the outside. Edging will also help to keep the pavers in place and prevent them from spreading outward over time.

Choose Your Edging: You can use plastic, metal, or stone edging to outline the circle. The edging should be sturdy enough to hold the pavers in place but flexible enough to follow the curve of the circle.
Install the Edging: Install the edging by placing it around the perimeter of the paver circle. You may need to secure it with stakes, especially if you're using plastic or metal edging.
Fill with Soil or Mulch: If there’s a gap between the paver stones and the edge of the circle, fill it with soil, mulch, or decorative gravel. This will help to prevent weeds from growing and give the area a neat, professional appearance.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once the paver stones are laid and edged, you can finish up with a few final touches:

Water the Area: Water the paver stones to help settle the sand between them and ensure that everything is securely in place. This will also help the sand to compact, creating a firmer surface.
Clean the Stones: After watering, use a broom or a mop to remove any excess sand or dirt from the top of the pavers. This will give the stones a clean and polished look.
Add Mulch or Decorative Features: If you want to enhance the look of the area around the tree, you can add a layer of mulch inside the paver circle, or place small decorative items like statues, lanterns, or flowers around the perimeter.

Step 7: Maintain the Paver Area

Maintaining your paver stone circle is simple. Every few months, you may want to sweep away debris or wash the stones to keep them looking fresh. If the sand between the pavers settles over time, you can add more sand and sweep it into the gaps.

Additionally, keep an eye on the health of the tree itself. Make sure the pavers aren’t obstructing water or nutrients from reaching the roots. The area should still allow rainwater to naturally flow to the tree without creating pooling or flooding.

Putting paver stones around a tree is a relatively simple yet effective way to enhance your landscape design. With the right tools and materials, you can create a stunning, low-maintenance area that will add beauty and functionality to your garden for years to come. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your paver stone installation is successful, long-lasting, and an eye-catching feature around your tree.

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