Standards for tree rings

[Craig Turf Management]

When making tree rings, how do you judge the circumference? I want to come up with a formula for cutting these things that I can refer to when bidding etc.
For example, would a 2" caliper tree get a 6' diameter tree ring? Does it depend upon the species planted? If there's not a standard, I want to make my own. I don't want to eye-ball it, or have my helper use his judgement and after the job have a tree ring that just don't look right. What do you scapers do in this situation?
Bill Craig!

[SCAPEASAURUSREX]

Ive always heard, and have used this in most cases to make the ring the diameter of the canopy, ( but this is on trees that are 12 ft or under, dont' think that would work too well for established 100 ft plus trees : ) I guess it also depends on the space and how the lawn is set up with hardscapes , and housing etc.. Sometimes you may only be able to do a 3' ring, while other times its a 6' ring.. Think it really depends on the particular situation and location...

[Craig Turf Management]

Thanks for the help Chris.
Anyone else want to weigh in on this one?
Bill!

[Stonehenge]

I don't really have a set formula. Most of the trees we plant are in the 2-3" category, and I just have my guys install 6' diam rings around everything.

[KirbysLawn]

Same here, most of mine are 6' rings.

[Craig Turf Management]

Thanks for the input. 6' seems reasonable enough. I'll give it a try. I've got about 20 trees to get in the ground in the next week.
Bill Craig!

[kutnkru]

When we are installing I like to use a minimum of 3' for tree rings. If its a smaller specimen that will be slow growing like a Dwf Alberta Spruce I have gone as small as 2' rings depending on plant size of course -LOL!!!

I find that for many established weeping varieties (ie:Pin Oaks) I will map the tree ring to the drip edge to eliminate mowing under problem areas etc. I have also done this for trees that have some major roots to contend with as well.

The key here is to make sure that your not burying the roots but mulching up to the top of them so to speak. I use the same rules I would for adding topsoil to the base of an established tree if I were trying to seed so that I dont promote rot.

I have found that the majority of our rings are 5' in diameter but this is also because most of the time a 6' ring makes too little turf for a 48" to cut next to curbs.

Hope Im doing it right too -LOL!!!
Kris

[paul]

We use 6' as the standard, figure 15 cu. ft. of mulch per tree.

[Craig Turf Management]

Paul,
Good point about the amount of mulch. That will help my bidding process.
Thanks, Bill!