What to Do With Fallen Tree Branches

If a storm knocked down tree branches in your yard, you might be wondering what to do with them. You can’t just toss them into a compost pile or burn them in your fireplace, but there are still plenty of ways to put fallen limbs to good use.

In fact, fallen tree branches can be a major nuisance. Not only are they an eyesore, but they can also be dangerous. What should you do with them? In this guide, we will provide tips on how to deal with fallen tree branches.

Why should you get rid of fallen tree branches?

A tree’s branches can be a cause for concern for homeowners for many reasons. If you’ve noticed dead branches on your trees, you might wonder if it’s just a cause for aesthetics or if there are other implications to the tree’s health and safety.

There are a few reasons why you should remove fallen tree branches from your property.

First, they can be dangerous. Fallen tree limbs can cause injuries if someone trips over them or if they fall on a person.
Second, they can be an eyesore. No one wants to see a pile of debris in their yard.
Third, they can create a fire hazard. Burning branches in your fireplace may seem like a convenient way to get rid of them, but it’s not safe and it could start a fire.

Benefits of getting rid of fallen trees?

Now that we’ve looked at some of the reasons why you should get rid of fallen tree branches, let’s look at some of the benefits.

One benefit is that it will make your yard look neater. No one likes a messy yard, and removing fallen branches is a great way to tidy things up.
Another benefit is that it will make your yard safer. As we mentioned before, fallen branches can be dangerous. By removing them, you can help prevent accidents.
Finally, getting rid of fallen branches can actually be good for the environment. If you have a compost bin, you can add the branches to it. Or, you could use them as mulch in your garden.

What are the best ways to get rid of fallen tree branches?

There are several ways to get rid of fallen tree branches, including chipping them into mulch, using them as compost material, or simply hauling them off to the dump.

Chips and Mulch

Turning the branches into chips is one of the easiest things you can do with fallen tree branches. Use a wood chipper to turn the branches into mulch and then use it for landscaping! This is especially helpful if you have an area that’s difficult for grass to grow or soil erosion issues. The mulch will help control erosion and make it easier for plants to grow by retaining moisture and adding nutrients back into the soil.

Compost material

Another great way to use fallen tree branches is to turn them into compost material. This is a great option if you have a garden or are looking for a natural way to fertilize your lawn. You can add the branches to your compost pile or bin and they will break down over time, providing nutrients for your plants.

Haul them off

If you don’t want to deal with the branches yourself, you can always hire someone to haul them off for you. You can hire a tree removal company to do this. This is the easiest option but it will likely cost more than other options.

What are some creative ways to reuse fallen tree branches?

Tree branches can be used in many of the same ways that logs are used. However, their smaller size makes them more practical for certain tasks. When you have fallen tree branches, consider these ways to use them:

Make a planter box

If you have an old barrel planter or a large pot lying around, you can repurpose it into an attractive and rustic planter box for your yard or garden by placing three or four short fallen branches (with their bark still intact) around its perimeter and securing them with screws from inside the hollow planter box. If you use shorter branches (or if you don’t like how they look with the bark still on), make sure to use a sealant or wood preservative to protect them from the elements.

Build a small fence

If you have some extra branches, why not try building a small fence? It can be as simple as creating a square or rectangle with four sturdy branches pounded into the ground at each corner. This type of fence is perfect for keeping pets and children in your yard and will only take you about an hour to build!

Make a rustic bench

If you have some longer branches, you can use them to make a rustic bench for your yard. Simply find two sturdy trees that are close enough together to support the weight of the bench, then place two long branches across them so that they form a seat and backrest. Use smaller branches to secure the two main branches in place and you’re done!

Create a trellis

A trellis is a great way to add some vertical interest to your garden and can be made from fallen tree branches quite easily. Simply find two sturdy trees that are spaced far enough apart, then use long branches to create an X-shape between them. You can either use nails or screws to secure the branches in place or simply tie them together with some heavy-duty rope. This type of trellis is perfect for growing vines or flowers up.

Winter bird feeder

If you want to give your garden birds a treat during the winter, try turning some of your fallen tree branches into a bird feeder. Just drill holes into the branch, thread string through each hole, tie knots at each end of the string, and hang it from a tree branch or pole in your backyard. Then fill each hole with birdseed and watch the birds flock to your feeder!

Hedgehog homes

Another fun way to use fallen tree branches is to create homes for hedgehogs! All you need is a few small branches, some twigs, leaves, and a little hay. Stack the branches in a pyramid shape and then add the twigs, leaves, and hay around the outside. Hedgehogs will love snuggling up in their new home.

Make bows and arrows

Fresh tree branches make excellent bows, if they’re flexible enough. You can also make arrows out of small tree branches with the right combination of durability and straightness. If you plan to shoot the arrows at a target rather than game, look for branches with a smooth bark; otherwise, leave the bark on because it makes for a more authentic native American-style arrow.

Light a fire

Branches are a great kindling. Even green twigs and branches will burn quite well while they’re still wet (unless they’re evergreen needles, which burn poorly).

Build shelters

A few sturdy branches can provide support for lean-tos and other structures that need roofing or framing.

Fish with them

As with logs, you can use tree branches to create fences or walls that block sunlight to keep fish from leaving an area or entering one, or as supports for bridges over streams and rivers. Like logs, they also make good fishing poles when stripped of their bark and dried out.

Use as stakes or poles

If you need to secure something on the ground, use a fallen tree branch as a stake or pole. The branches are sturdy and provide good grip when pounded into the earth.

Make a toy

Kids will love having their very own stick horse! All you need is a small sapling and some fallen tree branches for the mane and tail. Strip off all of the bark except for one long strip at one end of each branch. Tie the ends of the mane and tail together and then braid them together. Ta-da – your new stick horse.

Safety considerations when working with fallen tree branches

Always be aware of your surroundings and make sure that there are no cables or other obstacles in the area before you start cutting branches
Make sure that any branch you cut is dead and will not fall on anyone or anything below
Wear safety goggles when sawing or chopping tree branches to protect your eyes from flying debris
Use a sharp blade when sawing to avoid tearing the wood and making it harder to work with
If using a chainsaw, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Never operate a chainsaw without proper training.

Conclusion

Tree branches are significantly less dangerous to the public compared to whole trees. Overall, good care and maintenance of your trees will avoid any of these problems. By making sure your tree is healthy and well-pruned, you can drastically reduce the risk of accidents as a result of fallen branches. In this guide, we discussed why fallen branches occur in the first place, and explored several ways in which fallen branches can be used.

Always take caution when working with any kind of fallen tree branch, and be sure to use proper safety gear. Have fun using your new branches!