What to Do With a Dead Tree: 6 Options

Dead trees don’t belong in your yard—they can become a hazard to other landscaping features and, let’s face it, an eyesore. So, what should you do with a dead tree? Taking the dead tree down is a vital step, but after that you have many options. Whether you want to start a wood-oriented project or get rid of the tree entirely, it’s time to pick a path. Let’s go over how to find your tree’s final destination.

1. Reuse Tree Branches and Logs in Landscaping

Instead of letting leftover trunk sections and tree limbs take up space in your trash or yard bins, consider repurposing them for a space-saving and environmentally-friendly alternative. Consider hiring a local tree maintenance service to help you remove and repurpose parts of your dead tree.

Use Tree Branches as Rustic Decor

For a rustic theme, you can cut, strip, and sand attractive branches to use as wall decorations, borders in landscaping, and more. Give larger trunks the same treatment and use them as tables or bench seats.

Create Small Decorative Pieces

Use woodworking skills to transform smaller tree branches or trunk slices into display platters, candleholders, book ends, and other indoor-friendly pieces for a perfect cabin style.

Turn It Into a Garden Feature 

A dead tree can be transformed into a unique garden feature. You can carve it into a sculpture, hang bird feeders or lanterns from its branches, or use it as a trellis for climbing plants.

Build a Fence, Gate, or Wall

You can use dead tree limbs to create natural fences and privacy walls that both you and the local wildlife will enjoy. You can also fashion tree limbs into latticework, gates, or mounts. Positioning the branches in a tight weave can help hide a property eyesore, such as an outdoor AC unit.

2. Hire a Company to Mill a Tree for Lumber

If your dead tree is a large specimen and still has a lot of healthy wood, consider looking for a local tree service company that can mill the tree professionally to produce lumber you can use for projects. If you have experience in woodworking or turning lumber into art, this task could provide materials for years of fun DIY projects.

The milling service usually charges a labor fee per hour, plus a fee per board foot or “bf” that can range from $0.15 to several dollars or more, depending on the project. Keep in mind you may have to transport the wood yourself for milling.

3. Leave the Tree In Nature for a Wildlife

If you don’t want to use the dead tree for landscaping or projects, you can cut it down, transport it to a secluded spot, and let nature do its work. This option has more benefits than you may expect: When tree parts naturally decompose, they provide nutrients for the soil, safe spots for local wildlife, and a nurturing place for new growth. However, it’s not a process you want in your backyard, so you’ll need to find a local grove or forest where it can decompose legally and peacefully.

4. Mulch the Tree For Future Landscaping

If the tree is still in good condition and free of disease, you can arrange to hire a professional tree service to turn it into mulch and use it for landscaping. That pile of mulch can help insulate plants over winter, brighten up garden paths or flowerbeds, and serve as an airy layer of protection around trees and shrubs.

5. Remove the Tree

If the tree is posing a safety hazard due to its size or proximity to your home and other structures, it’s best to hire a local tree removal professional to remove it. Dead trees can become brittle and unstable, making DIY removal dangerous, so you should always hire a certified pro for this project.

6. Grind or Remove the Stump 

If you’ve removed the tree but still have a stump left behind, consider stump grinding to remove it entirely. This process helps eliminate the stump from the surface, preventing it from becoming a tripping hazard or attracting pests. However, it can be dangerous to use a stump grinder without previous experience, so consider hiring a tree or stump removal professional for this task.