Corten Rings for Trees, Gardens & Feature Landscaping

A well designed garden isn’t just about plants, it’s about how you frame them. Corten steel rings have become the go to choice for Australian landscapers and homeowners who want functional beauty that lasts. Whether you’re creating a striking tree surround, a raised herb garden, or a focal point bed, corten rings offer durability, aesthetic appeal, and the kind of lasting value that justifies the investment.

At Thompson Co Outdoors, we fabricate every corten ring in-house using precision equipment. That means we control the quality from start to finish, and we can tailor sizes to suit your exact vision.

Bolt-Together Rings for Established Trees

Do you have a tree that's already in the ground? No problem. We can fabricate corten rings in two or more segments with a simple bolt-together joining system, so you can wrap an existing tree without any digging or root disturbance. The join points are discrete and sit flush once assembled, so the finished look is clean and intentional. It's a popular option for established natives, ornamental trees, and feature specimens where you want to lift the presentation without touching the root zone. Just let us know when you enquire and we'll size the segments to suit.

What Are Corten Rings & Why Choose Them?

Corten steel (also called weathering steel) is an alloy that forms a protective rust layer over time. This distinctive rust-brown patina becomes part of the material’s character, developing a rich, warm appearance that deepens with age. Unlike regular steel, corten doesn’t continue to rust away—that protective layer actually prevents deeper corrosion.

For garden applications, this means:

• Decades of durability: A properly installed corten ring will outlast timber by 2-3 times and far exceed the lifespan of painted alternatives
• Minimal maintenance: No repainting, no sealers needed. Just hose it down occasionally if you want to keep it clean
• Timeless design: The warm, industrial aesthetic works with modern, traditional, and contemporary gardens alike
• Environmental benefit: No toxic coatings, no chemicals leaching into soil, and it’s fully recyclable

Corten Ring Sizes & Applications

Corten rings come in a range of diameters and heights, making them adaptable to almost any landscaping scenario:

Tree Surrounds (600mm to 1200mm diameter): Create a defined, elevated bed around established trees. This protects tree roots from foot traffic, allows for mulch containment, and draws attention to the tree as a focal point.

Feature Beds & Raised Gardens (800mm to 2000mm diameter): Perfect for veggie gardens, perennial displays, or accent planting. Stack rings for greater height, or use a single ring at ground level.

Herb & Vegetable Gardens: Circular designs are ideal for herb spirals or contained vegetable patches.

How We Roll Corten Rings In-House

At Thompson Co, we use our in-house roller to bend and shape flat steel into precise circular forms. This gives us exact diameter control, custom heights, fast turnaround, and quality assurance at every stage.

• Exact diameter control for perfect fit in your garden layout
• Custom heights tailored to your project needs
• Fast turnaround times compared to waiting for imports
• The flexibility to create one-off sizes for unique applications
  
  

Installation Tips for Best Results

Prepare the Ground: Clear the area and level it. Corten rings look best when sitting flush with surrounding soil or paving.

Drainage Matters: Ensure soil and drainage inside is adequate for your plants.

Allow for the Patina: Fresh corten is silvery-grey. Over 6-12 months, it develops its distinctive rust patina.

Pair Corten Rings with Corten Edging

For a cohesive look, combine corten rings with corten edging elsewhere in your garden. Browse our full range of corten rings to bring your garden vision to life.

The Long-Term Investment

Corten rings cost more upfront than timber or plastic alternatives, but they’re a true long-term investment. When you factor in the lifespan often 30+ years with minimal intervention the cost per year drops significantly.

If you’re ready to add corten rings to your garden or want to discuss custom sizes for your project, get in touch with the Thompson Co team.