Laying a brick tree ring and flowerbed border

[r2k3982]

I want to lay a brick tree ring and flowerbed border with a cement base and just one row of bricks on top. Is it better to use concrete or cement as a base. From what I read you have to lay a base and let it cure, then apply the bricks on top with some mortar. Obviously I know I need to dig a trench, but how do I make the form for the base? Do I just pour it to the shape of the trench or is there something I can use to make a form? I want it to look something like this except not as tall, and with a cement base:

[Horn_Spanker]

I want to lay a brick tree ring and flowerbed border with a cement base and just one row of bricks on top. Is it better to use concrete or cement as a base. From what I read you have to lay a base and let it cure, then apply the bricks on top with some mortar. Obviously I know I need to dig a trench, but how do I make the form for the base? Do I just pour it to the shape of the trench or is there something I can use to make a form? I want it to look something like this except not as tall, and with a cement base:

Cement is a component of concrete. Once you build the ring, be careful not to raise the level of dirt around the existing tree.

[miguelito]

cement:concrete::flour:bread


dig a trench, lay some sackcrete in there, water it good, and level it out. or mix the sackcrete in a wheelbarrow, then put it in the trench.

keep the top of the concrete a little below the grade, so that your first course of brick will be somewhat hidden (and the concrete is all hidden).

[r2k3982]

I was only going to use one layer of bricks.

[texashooch]

Just one level? Why not just use an aggregate like class 5?

[r2k3982]

I'm using the leftover bricks that the builder left after they built our house. I'm not looking for anything fancy but want to get rid of these bricks and at the same time hold in a little bit of water around the trees. Right now the water just runs off my lawn and into the street. I'll probably invest into some soaker hoses but still want to put the tree rings in for curb appeal.

[OakHill Horn]

It won't look right. Don't your bricks have holes through them? The holes will be either on the sides or the top.

[MilkmanDan]

I think your best bet is to trench, level, and bury the bricks halfway underground. If
you can make a uniform ring it will look nice and save you laying the foundation.

[e]

I agree with MilkmanDan. I think the roots might give you some trouble if you tried to dig a footer for concrete, or the roots would eventually mess your work up. What kind of tree?

[r2k3982]

We just built our house so the trees are really small. I doubt the roots have grown out that much.

Oakhill - The part of the brick with the holes will be facing the side of the next brick. If you look at the pic up top the side and end of the brick is all you can see.

Milkman - The bricks are going to go outward not around the tree. Not like a train rather like this this:


Obviously this is just stained cement but I want it to look like this but with brick on top.


Also, the reason I asked the concrete or cement question is because I want the ring to have a smooth appearance on the side not see all the gravel that's in concrete.

[miguelito]

you don't need concrete for 1 layer of brick.

[William Cannon]

you don't need concrete for 1 layer of brick.

This

[r2k3982]

I figured I would need the concrete to keep them from moving around. I thought the mortar would just break apart as soon as there was any movement in the ground.

[phdhorn]

I've done these types of things around the house. Agree you don't need concrete for one course (1 level) of bricks. You get into cement/mortar with 2, most likely 3 courses. Concrete mainly is a more hardened bonding agent against greater pressure (i.e. walls with 5-6 courses, etc.). Don't see the need for it w/this, but you can do it. Seems like overkill. So anyway, here y'go:

1. Trench out the ring about 2-3 inches below ground level.
2. Use leveler and/or lines to achieve a level ring (this is more important than you think). This is done by putting in sticks/little posts (even popsicle sticks) and looping the line around each one as it proceeds around the circle. You might need to tape the line on each post to avoid vertical movement once you get a level ring (next step).
3. Put a layer of sand down, probably an inch thick, to settle the bricks on, trying to get it even and level. The surface of the sand should be about 1-1.5" below ground level.
4. Lay bricks down, again using a leveler to make sure they're even. Also if you use the line, this will keep the top surface of the bricks even. Push/tap down the bricks firmly to sink into the sand, but don't overdo it. They should settle in about 1/2 inch or a little more. That's all you need.
5. Fill the remaining vertical space with some of the removed dirt/grass. You can buttress the inside of the ring bricks with dirt to cave down (like a bowl).
6. Water the new ring lightly to get the dirt to settle in a little (don't flush it, just get it wet so water will sink into it.

Should do it. I did a flowerbed similar to the one above with one course, no concrete, and it's not moving anywhere. Good luck.

[MilkmanDan]

Trust him, he's a doctor.