Metal tree ring: How to help your trees thrive

27 February 2023

We see trees daily in gardens, on roadsides, in parks, from office windows, and in suburban areas. Plants bring us joy all year with their greenery and colourful leaves. They make us feel connected to nature and bring a sense of beauty and peace. When a tree doesn't grow well in your garden, it can be really frustrating because trees usually bring happiness.

How to identify a tree is struggling

Watch for wilting or yellowing leaves, as they may indicate a stressed, diseased, or insect-infested tree. You might see dead branches or the tree not growing as well as usual. It may also shed an abundance of sticks and twigs, more than in previous years. If you notice your tree is struggling, it’s time to take action.

Trees are complex organisms and require proper care and maintenance to thrive. Understanding the causes of tree failure can help you identify and address problems before they become too severe.

7 Reasons why trees fail to establish

1. Poor soil quality

2. Lack of water

3. Pests and diseases

4. Improper pruning

5. Damage to the roots

6. Environmental factors

7. Improper planting

Metal garden edging tree ring in the middle of a lawn with a healthy tree growing in it

How metal tree ring edging helps tree health

Steel tree rings, also called tree planters, enhance tree growth and have a pleasing visual effect on gardens.

The best way to protect tree roots

It’s a common misconception that the roots of trees go deep underground. Most tree roots don't go deeper than 2m, but some small roots can reach 5m. The majority of roots grow within 60cm of the soil's surface.

One of the main benefits of metal tree ring edging is how it protects the tree's roots from damage. The metal ring provides a physical barrier to prevent foot traffic, lawnmowers, and other equipment from damaging the roots. Healthy roots equal healthy plants.

Improves garden and tree drainage

The metal tree ring prevents soil and debris buildup around the tree. It allows water to drain away from the roots, preventing overwatering and root rot. This prevents overwatering and root rot.

Reduces nutrient competition

Metal tree ring edging reduces the competition for water and nutrients from nearby plants. A boundary around the tree stops other plants from invading its roots and competing for water and nutrients. Lawns are notoriously greedy!

Allows appropriate tree care

Using mulch in the steel tree ring keeps the soil moist and stops weeds. Using mulch in the steel tree ring helps to maintain soil moisture and prevent weed growth. Additionally, the tree ring allows for precise fertilizer application based on the soil's requirements. This control over fertilizer usage is limited to the ring area and does not impact the tree trunk.

Where to buy metal tree ring edging NZ

EverEdge supplies garden edging products NZ-wide – including tree rings. Available in the same colourways as our garden bed edging and as Corten steel edging, EverEdge supports a cohesive garden design.

If you have any questions about our tree rings, installation, or size needed, please contact us today. You can reach us at 021 925 389 or click here to send us a message.

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Man installing edging along a lawn path in a garden.

The gardener’s guide to avoid garden edging mistakes

by Simon Mullinger • 25 August 2025

A well-designed garden isn’t just about the plants you choose; it’s the finishing touches that make all the difference. Garden edging frames your beds, pathways, and lawns, creating a clean, structured look while keeping soil, mulch, and grass exactly where they should be. But despite its time-saving capabilities, small mistakes during planning or installation can leave you with an untidy or high-maintenance garden – exactly what you didn’t sign up for. As a supplier of the best high-quality steel landscape edging products in New Zealand , EverEdge has heard it all – from shallow installs that allow grass to creep back in, to cracked or warped materials that ruin a carefully designed border. To help you get it right the first time, here are the top three garden edging mistakes and how you can avoid them. 1. Choosing the wrong edging material One of the most common mistakes is selecting edging that doesn’t stand the test of time. Plastic and timber edging might look appealing initially, but they deteriorate quickly over time, accelerated by harsh weather. Plastic warps under the sun, while timber is prone to rotting and shifting. Both often require replacement within just a few seasons. Even if you opt for the more expensive concrete garden edging it is vulnerable to ground movement and freeze-thaw cycles. By contrast, metal landscape edging, particularly steel garden edging, offers durability, flexibility, and a clean aesthetic. It can be shaped into sweeping curves or sharp angles without cracking, and it resists corrosion for decades. EverEdge products are designed for professional results and are trusted by landscapers across New Zealand for everything from garden bed edging and metal tree ring edging to driveway edging. Choosing a long-lasting material from the outset saves you time, money, and endless frustration down the line. 2. Installing at the wrong depth Even the best edging material won’t perform if it’s not installed correctly . A frequent error is laying edging too shallow. This allows mulch and soil to spill over and gives grass and weeds the perfect opportunity to creep back into your beds. Too deep, on the other hand, and the edging becomes buried, disappearing from sight and failing to give that crisp separation between lawn and border.