Couple Turns A Fallen Tree Into A Rustic Way To Hang Outdoor String Lights

If a tree falls in the forest, and you aren't there, does it make a sound? If it falls in your yard, you'll definitely know what sound it makes and what issues it can cause. From vulnerability, to rot and insects, to simply being an eyesore, there are a multitude of reasons not to leave it where it fell. And, if you've already got enough wood for your fire pit, you might not know what to do with it, but there's a clever way to incorporate it into your outdoor entertainment space.

In a Facebook video, the creator couple at Southern Yankee DIY showed off how they got their fallen cedar trees to stand once again, repurposing them as rustic poles for hanging string lights around their fire pit. Rather than fronting the cost for lumber or other raw building materials, they created a sturdy and functional naturalistic structure that perfectly blends the warm ambiance of string lights with its wooded surroundings.

To recreate this project, you'll need at least four fallen trees, concrete, a shovel or post digger, a drill, cup hooks and zip ties, and string lights. If you need to cut the trees down beforehand, be sure to adhere to safe tree removal procedures or hire a professional. If your fallen tree isn't cedar, redwood, or another naturally rot-resistant species, then it's best to pick up some pressure-treated lumber if you want a more permanent structure.

To create their fallen tree light poles, the DIYers start by digging a hole, placing each tree "pole" inside, then backfilling the bottom with dirt. After that, they mix up a batch of concrete to fill the rest of the hole. Once they've installed a tree pole in every corner surrounding their seating area, they screw in cup hooks and add zip ties to secure string lights between the poles.

The post was met with some pushback in the comments, mainly with concerns about potential rot and whether to use pressure-treated wood or cedar for the project. The creator claims the poles are still standing after two years, and since their fallen trees are cedar, they naturally resist insects and rot. However, as noted in the comments, pressure-treated wood, which has chemical preservatives, is a better option than using an untreated fallen tree, especially where there's contact with the ground.

Commenters also mentioned that debarking the cedar trees would help them last as long as possible, since bark helps house insects and traps moisture, which can lead to rot. You can do this by inserting the pointed edge of a mason's trowel to loosen the bark, then peeling the strips away by hand. Alternatively, you can use a bark spud to break through the bark, then angle the blade beneath it and push along the length of the trunk to loosen it in sections.