The Easiest Way to Put Pavers Around a Tree
Most guides on pavers around a tree assume you’ll be cutting stones by hand to fight your way into a circle. You don’t have to. PaverTrax is a paver track system — snap it together, lock in ordinary rectangular pavers, and you’ve got a perfect ring around any tree trunk in an afternoon.
PaverTrax is built around two specific paver bricks — use these, not a random size off the shelf:
- Pavestone Rivertown Concrete Retaining Wall Block (Model #80749), 3″ x 6″ x 10″
- Oldcastle Carlton Concrete Retaining Wall Block (Model #16204427), 3″ x 5.88″ x 10″
No proprietary curved stones, no specialty order, no math — but the fit only works with these exact dimensions, so the links above go straight to the correct Home Depot listing, not a generic search.
Already have leftover Rivertown or Carlton blocks from another project? See our guide to the Retaining Wall Block Circle Kit for fire pit and circle ideas.
Why Ring Your Tree With Pavers
- Protects the trunk and root flare from mower and trimmer damage — the #1 reason arborists recommend a hard edge around a tree.
- Keeps mulch and soil contained instead of spreading into the lawn every time it rains.
- Finishes the landscaping around a tree, post, lamppost, or garden focal point with a clean, deliberate edge instead of a ragged mulch circle.
How It Works
- Pick your diameter. Five sizes, from 12 to 16 pavers on the base ring — see the table below.
- Assemble the track around the base of the tree, clear of the trunk.
- Lock in your pavers — line them up with the holes on the track and snap in the pin.
- Add a second layer if you want more height or a more finished retaining edge.
- Fill the inside with mulch — better than soil for a tree ring, since it keeps weeds out and helps retain moisture at the root zone.
| Pavers | External Diameter |
|---|---|
| 12 | 3’5″ |
| 13 | 3’8″ |
| 14 | 3’11” |
| 15 | 4’2″ |
| 16 | 4’5″ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I put pavers around a tree without cutting them?
Use a paver track system like PaverTrax instead of pre-cut curved stones. The track does the geometry for you — snap in standard rectangular pavers and they lock into a perfect circle, no cutting or dry-fitting required.
How many pavers do I need to ring a tree?
Between 12 and 16 pavers per layer, depending on the diameter you choose (3’5″ up to 4’5″ external diameter). Add a second layer for more height.
Does a paver ring hurt the tree?
No — done correctly, a paver ring protects the tree. Keep the ring clear of the trunk itself and avoid piling mulch against the bark (“mulch volcanoes”), which is the actual risk to tree health, not the paver ring.
What’s the best paver pattern for around a tree?
A circular ring pattern using a track system is the cleanest option for a natural, finished look — it avoids the awkward cut edges you get trying to force straight pavers into a circle by hand.
Can I use pavers I already have from Home Depot?
Yes — if you have standard 3″ x 6″ x 10″ or 3″ x 5.88″ x 10″ pavers (like Pavestone Rivertown or Oldcastle Carlton), PaverTrax’s track system is built to use them directly. Any other size or shape won’t lock into the track correctly.