How to install garden edging using bricks?

[Bennn]

Hi there, i have a tree in my backyard and wanted to install a bricks edging. can you please help me and also my backyard is on a steep slope

[EricL]

Hello @Bennn 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about installing garden edging.

In order to give our members a better idea of what your garden looks like, would it be possible for you to post a photo of the tree and its surrounding area. We can then make recommendations on possible brick configurations. I also suggest having a look at this discussion How to lay bricks for raised flower bed? by @Brunnie_Rich. This discussion will show you how to lay a good foundation for a brick edging. By putting a good base in, it won't tilt or sway but stay solid and straight.

In regards to your tree, it will probably depend on how close the roots are to the surface. If the roots are shallow, then you won't be able to dig into the soil. If the roots are deep, then you have space to lay the bricks into the soil.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Bennn]

Hi EricL, 

Thanks for getting back to me. I have attached picture of the lime tree I recently planted. Also, there is an existing bricked edge in the backyard, and I would like to have a new one that matches the existing one.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Bennn,

Thank you for the photos and follow-up details.

It looks like they've used 200x100 pavers in either a sand or cream colour that has gotten dirty over time. These Brighton Masonry 200 x 100 x 40 Pavers look like a great option.

I'd suggest starting by test-fitting your pavers to see how you like the look of it. As you are creating a curve with a much tighter radius than your example, you'd need to tweak it to your liking. A larger radius will have a gentler curve than a tight one. I'd suggest using a piece of string or jute twine to mark a circle around your tree with spray and mark paint.

You shouldn't have much of an issue with roots as you'd only be digging a shallow trench around your tree. 

You can then excavate a circle around the tree using your marking as a guide. This trench should be a bit over 100mm wide and about 100mm deep. 

Add a layer of road base or drainage gravel and compact it with a tamper so the top of your base is the thickness of your paver below the height you want it to sit. In the case of the Brighton Masonry pavers, this would be 40mm below finished height.

Once the base has been prepared, put your pavers in place making a gentle curve around the circumference. You can then use a rubber mallet to make small adjustments to the height of your pavers.

You can then backfill with soil and water it in to set everything in place.

Let me know what you think and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Bennn]

Thanks Jacob for clear explanation, just wondering what to fill between bricks to make sure not moving? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Bennn,

If you wanted to you could use mortar but it is not 100% necessary. Backfilling with the soil you dig out and compacting it should be fine.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Bennn]

Hi guys, 

Jobs done! Thanks for your help,  I used sand cement for base.  

[JacobZ]

Hi @Bennn,

Nice work, that looks brilliant.

Thank you for sharing.

Jacob