Creative Ways for Decorating with Tree Branches
Want to know a secret? I have a few creative ways for decorating with tree branches for a bit of spring decor. And the best part, it’s sustainable and free! I love using natural elements and early spring is the best time of year to collect branches from last Fall or get a few new clippings from the trees before they grow full size. Decorating with tree branches can be as simple as bringing in a few branches or some early Spring flowers. Bringing in some beautiful branches with bright green leaves is the perfect way to add a touch of nature and make a house feel more like Spring.
The Benefits of Using Tree Branches in Decor
Where do I begin? If you’ve read even just a bit of my blog, you know I am slightly obsessed with decorating using nature – especially if it involves sticks. In fact, I was even featured in the BHG December issue. The article’s title: “In Her Nature,” I could not have been more flattered and I honestly do love a little rustic charm.
The appeal goes way beyond saving money, although I never mind saving money. Bringing in a few elements of nature instantly freshens your home. It’s like opening a window. Depending on your home and space, even a single branch of any size can be put into a jar or clear vase and set on the dining table, the bathroom sink, a side table, or on a bookshelf…any place where you’ll see it often so you can enjoy it!
Using tree branches or a small tree limb is sustainable too and adds a nice, natural feel!
If you need anymore reasons to decorate with tree branches, I did recently read that connecting with nature does have positive effects on our health and happiness. So there is that!
How to Find and Prep Your Tree Branches
I use a lot from my own yard and the woods behind a friend’s property. I clip only from overgrown limbs, never anything that has been planted as part of a landscape or on private property.
When is the Best Time to Collect Tree Branches
I love to go in the rain. The leaves are wet, and a simple shake before bringing them into the house is all it takes.
If it’s not a day when the leaves are wet from rain or mist, bring them home and give them a light rinse. I usually lay them out on the driveway and use the rain setting on the nozzle. Then shake gently and let dry in the sun for a few minutes.
Creative Ways for Decorating with Tree Branches
First, gather tall, heavy vases so the natural branches won’t tip them over. Add a few jars in different sizes for the smaller branches that you’ll clip from the large branches.
Fill vases and jars with cold water and give each branch a fresh cut as you put it into the vase.
A Few Options for Vases that Work Well with Tree Branches & Clippings to Create Simple Arrangments
One Oak Tree Leaf in a Tall Clear Glass Vase
One tall oak leaf branch in a clear vase might be enough. Or add several to a large vase at similar but varying heights.
Save Smaller Tree Clippings for Jars
Use clippings from the larger branches in smaller jars and vases. I was able to use almost everything I brought home.
Small Clippings in Jars & Vases for the Bathrooms
How Do You Maintain Natural Tree Branches?
Enjoy the branches while they are fresh. They may last several days or even a week before dropping leaves. Then toss them in with your yard clippings.
What About Using Faux Branches?
There are so many beautiful faux branches that look like the real thing. One thing to remember is to use what’s in season to make sure they do look, in fact, real. I prefer using foraged finds, but that’s certainly not for everyone.
You can still get the look with faux branches. Terrain and Pottery Barn have the best options for realistic-looking faux branches.
If you like Decorating with Tree Branches, you might also enjoy the following:
How to Make a Minimal Propagation Wall
Easy Ways to Refresh Your Home for Spring
Make this DIY Modern Pegboard for Plants
Blogger’s Best Spring Decorating Ideas
- The Best Artificial Flowers for Spring | My Sweet Savannah
- 10 Ways to Update Your House for Spring | Twelve on Main
- Easy Spring Decorating! | Zevy Joy
- Simple Spring Decor To Make You Smile | Classic Casual Home
- Easy DIY Placemats | Happy Happy Nester
- Colorful Throw Pillows for Spring Decorating | My 100 Year Old Home
- Spring Ivy Topiary DIY | Craftberry Bush
- How to Easily Decorate a Mantel for Spring | Robyns French Nest
- Creative Ways to Decorate With Tree Branches | Most Lovely Things
- Spring Decorating Ideas for the Kitchen | Eleanor Rose Home
- DIY Clay Succulent Scallop Pots | Tatertots and Jello
- Easy Floral Spring Door Basket DIY | Inspiration for Moms
Annie—Do you have links for the suggested vases?
Hi Rose! Right under the graphic with the vases, you should see some links in pink! THank you!
annie
This is brilliant, Annie. My walks with Chief have a new mission! Wish you were coming with us 🙂
There is an overgrown wooded area near us (actually several).
Happy Spring.
Mary Ann
Oh, me too Mary Ann!
I love the idea of bringing nature in (other than flowers). What color are the neutral walls in your house? Looks so clean and fresh.
Hi Paula,
My favorite white paint is BM Simply White. I was a fan of cloud white, but it seems to have a little too much yellow now. Serena & Lily uses Simply Wite in all their stores, which looks beautiful in ant light! I hope that helps.
Annie
I love the minimal spring decor!
Now this is a topic I love! And what’s not to love about the price? Thanks for inspiring me!
Love this Annie! I can’t wait until the trees are in bloom a little more here to start brining the outdoors in. It’s such a fun way to decorate the inside of our homes. Pinned!
Annie, I love your spring branches. Foraging in your yard is always a good idea, for flowers, branches, twigs, herbs and whatever else you find.
Elizabeth! I’ll bet you have so much to forage in your area too! xx
I need to follow your tips and try bringing branches indoors. Your decor is gorgeous!