How to Make a Hanging Birch Log Tree

The natural simplicity and festive glow of this alternative holiday tree ensures it works with virtually any style.

Rustic Ladder Tree

Rope Ladder Tree

Go big or small with this clever holiday tree. Its natural simplicity and festive glow ensure it works with almost any style holiday décor.

Photo by: Photographer: Christina Wedge

Photographer: Christina Wedge

Materials Needed

Tree Dimensions: Approximately 28' x 24"

  • (5) birch logs (1 1/2" diameter, store-bought)
  • jute twine
  • natural-fiber ribbon
  • battery-operated LED wire lights
  • hacksaw
  • measuring tape
  • scissors
  • pen

Cut Logs

Using a hacksaw, measure, mark and cut the five logs to desired size. The logs should be cut in graduated lengths, like 8, 11, 15, 19 and 24 inches long.

Hack Saw Cutting

Rope Ladder Tree

Step 1- Cut Logs Measure, mark and cut the five logs to desired size using a hack saw. You’ll need your logs to be cut in graduated lengths. Our tree used logs in the following dimensions- 8, 11, 15, 19 and 24- inches long.

Photo by: Photographer: Christina Wedge

Photographer: Christina Wedge

Cut Twine

Measure, mark and cut the twine in two 54-inch lengths (one for each side of the tree).

Measuring Twine

Rope Ladder Tree

Step 2- Cut Jute Twine Measure, mark and cut the twine in two 54-inch lengths (one for each side of the tree).

Photo by: Photographer: Christina Wedge

Photographer: Christina Wedge

Tie Logs Together

Lay the logs out, approximately four inches from one another, and begin tying them together using the twine. Start at the bottom and work your way up by finding the middle of the twine and tying that to the bottom log. Repeat on the other side.

Log Ladder

Rope Ladder Tree

Step 3- Tie Logs Together Lay the logs out, approximately 4-inches from one another and begin tying them to one another using the jute twine. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Start this process by finding the middle of the twine and tying that onto the bottom log. Repeat on the other side.

Photo by: Photographer: Christina Wedge

Photographer: Christina Wedge

Knot at the Top

Once you’ve worked your way up either side to the top of the tree and secured all the logs together, tie the two sides of jute twine together into a knot.

Twine Knot

Rope Ladder Tree

Step 4- Knot at Top Once you’re worked your way up either side to the top of the tree and secured all the logs together, tie the two sides of jute twine together into a knot.

Photo by: Photographer: Christina Wedge

Photographer: Christina Wedge

Add Lights

Starting from the bottom up, wrap the LED wire lights around the logs. You'll want the battery pack to end up at the top becauese you’ll hide it with ribbon.

Log Ladder Craft

Rope Ladder Tree

Step 5- Add LED Lights Next, starting from bottom up, wrap the LED wire lights around the logs. You want the battery pack to end up at the top (you’ll hide it with ribbon!)

Photo by: Photographer: Christina Wedge

Photographer: Christina Wedge

Add Bow

Using the natural-fiber ribbon, create a large bow to camouflage the battery pack.

Fiber Ribbon Bow

Rope Ladder Tree

Step 6- Add a Bow Using the natural fiber ribbon, create a large bow to camouflage the battery pack. Hang and enjoy!

Photo by: Photographer: Christina Wedge

Photographer: Christina Wedge

Next Up

How to Make Mini Pinecone Elf Ornaments

Everyone loves an adorable, handmade ornament, and this miniature elf will bring instant cheer to any holiday tree.

Make a Rustic Leather Tree Topper

Totally unique and on trend, this striking tree topper is easy to make and adds a rustic touch to any holiday tree.

How to Make a Holiday Star Garland Out of Twigs

Garlands can enhance your holiday decor, adding that extra layer that brings everything together. This natural garland is stunning on its own or against a backdrop of evergreens — both inside and out.

How to Make Hanging Rosemary-Wrapped Snowflakes

Hang these elegant rosemary snowflakes inside or outside for gorgeous fragrance and a soft glow all season long.

How to Make a Wooden Bead Star Ornament

Made from ribbon and wooden beads, this simple star ornament looks beautiful hanging in a window, on a door or nestled in a tree.

Make a Vintage-Inspired Tinsel Ornament Garland

This DIY tinsel garland is sure to make your mantel, banister or sideboard a focal point with its rich, layered fabrics and festive holiday shimmer.

Dress Up Gifted Wine Bottles With DIY Embossed Tags

Take your hostess gift to the next level with this chic and clever handmade wine gift tag.

Make Beautiful Pressed Clay Ornaments in Minutes

Turn an evergreen sprig into a stamp with these beautiful (and easy!) handmade pressed clay ornaments.

How to Make a Chenille-Stem Tabletop Christmas Tree

Create custom holiday decor with this chenille-stem pine tutorial from Stephen Brown at Glitterville Studios.

How to Make a DIY Hot Air Balloon Ornament for Christmas

Take your holiday decoration game to the next level with this unique, classy and carefully crafted DIY hot air balloon ornament for Christmas.

What's New in Handmade

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.