How to mark an even circle around a tree

Youngandfree · May 3, 2021

To cut an edge for a mulch ring?

What is your trick to cutting a fairly symmetrical circle around a tree? I've done a few and they don't always end up circular. Pretty close, but I feel like they could be better.

Hurryupelectric · May 3, 2021

I tie a string around a field marking spray can and go around the tree with the string always touching the trunk as close to directly pointing out as possible.

Mark Stark · May 3, 2021

We just "go for it" but.....you could tie a string to the tree and basically make a compass. Say 8' string or whatever. Then hold it straight out and walk in a circle around tree. Hold marking paint upside down and spray an even circle.

Mark Stark · May 3, 2021

Hurryupelectric said:
I tie a string around a field marking spray can and go around the tree with the string always touching the trunk as close to directly pointing out as possible.

Oh boy ....posted same answer at same time :cool2:

Cam15 · May 3, 2021

Hurryupelectric said:
I tie a string around a field marking spray can and go around the tree with the string always touching the trunk as close to directly pointing out as possible.

That's what I was going to say!! Using a tape and spray should also work.

Mark Stark · May 3, 2021

Cam15 said:
That's what I was going to say!! Using a tape and spray should also work.

Well fine Cam....get on the string and paint bandwagon....sheesh :dizzy:

Hurryupelectric · May 3, 2021

I got mine posted first, I’m youngandfrees favorite now :cool2:

Hurryupelectric · May 3, 2021

Snooze you loose stark lol

Youngandfree · May 3, 2021

Mark Stark said:
Oh boy ....posted same answer at same time

Since you have the most experience, how wide of a circle around a crepe myrtle would you do? I'm thinking 6-8ft.

Crazy 4 grass · May 3, 2021

Take it to where the crappy grass stops. Roughly 3ft out from both sides.
Ideally you don't want bald patches in your line, you want your line through nice turf all the way around

oqueoque · May 3, 2021

Youngandfree said:
Since you have the most experience, how wide of a circle around a crepe myrtle would you do? I'm thinking 6-8ft. View attachment 440604

I would not use a circle there, but instead use a semi circle, then run the bed to the left to about 3 feet or more from the house,the

Plant some dwarf shrubs against the house, or shrubs (yew, or Japanese hollies, Dwarf Hinoki Cypress ) that can be maintained low. then plant some color in front of the green backdrop.

Then maybe a groundcover, Ajuga? under the Crape Myrtle, to get early color.

And to answer your question 8 feet. the bigger the better.

Youngandfree · May 3, 2021

oqueoque said:
I would not use a circle there, but instead use a semi circle, then run the bed to the left to about 3 feet or more from the house,the

Plant some dwarf shrubs against the house, or shrubs (yew, or Japanese hollies, Dwarf Hinoki Cypress ) that can be maintained low. then plant some color in front of the green backdrop.

That pic is deceiving. It's not beside the house. Its between the house and what you see is a stand alone garage in the back. But I like your idea if it was beside the house.

oqueoque · May 3, 2021

I would think you would want to hide the garage. Maybe run the bed over to the wall of the garage( if it is the side or back) and plant shrubs in the bed.

Youngandfree · May 3, 2021

oqueoque said:
I would think you would want to hide the garage. Maybe run the bed over to the wall of the garage( if it is the side or back) and plant shrubs in the bed.

the tree in the pic is circled.

oqueoque · May 3, 2021

Dang, the garage looks as big as the house.

Mitty87 · May 3, 2021

measure 4' out from the trunk in 8 different spots then fill it in.

zlandman · May 3, 2021

I just use the Spade handle to measure from the trunk out.
No better tool than the one already in your hand.

SilverPine · May 3, 2021

Personally, I like to just eyeball it. One of my guys uses a tape measure and does 4-8 marks around the tree.

Mitty87 · May 3, 2021

SilverPine said:
Personally, I like to just eyeball it. One of my guys uses a tape measure and does 4-8 marks around the tree.

It is good in theory as its what I would do, but you get odd shaped trucks sometimes, wide or split trunks etc, but will get you pretty close

Crazy 4 grass · May 3, 2021

Anyone ever tried like a 20-foot length of flex tubing bent into a circle?

How to mark an even circle around a tree

Youngandfree

Hurryupelectric

Mark Stark

Mark Stark

Cam15

Mark Stark

Hurryupelectric

Hurryupelectric

Youngandfree

Crazy 4 grass

oqueoque

Youngandfree

oqueoque

Youngandfree

oqueoque

Mitty87

zlandman

SilverPine

Mitty87

Crazy 4 grass

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