How to Make Garland From Tree Branches (Even If You’ve Never Foraged Before)

There’s something quietly magical about taking a pile of branches and turning them into a lush garland that winds around your doorway or across your table. It smells like the woods, it looks beautifully imperfect, and it makes your home feel alive in a way store‑bought decor rarely does. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to make garland from tree branches step by step, from choosing the right clippings to hanging the finished piece without it crashing down at midnight.

We’ll start with the basics and then branch out (sorry, had to) into different styles: full evergreen garlands, airy minimalist versions, and foraged mixes with berries and seed pods. Along the way, you’ll see ideas for mantels, stair rails, tabletops, and doors, plus realistic tips about cost, timing, and keeping everything fresh. Think of this as your “from branch to beautiful” handbook.

Why Make Garland From Tree Branches Instead of Buying One?

If you’ve ever priced out a long fresh garland at a florist or garden center, you know it isn’t cheap. Making your own can easily cost a fraction of the price, especially if you’re using pruned branches, tree lot trimmings, or clippings from your yard. Even if you buy all your greenery, the cost per foot is usually much lower than a finished garland.

Cost aside, there’s the look and feel. When you make garland from tree branches yourself, you control the shape, thickness, and texture. You can keep it simple and understated or go wild with berries, pinecones, and ribbons. And because you’ve built it, you’re more comfortable tweaking it—pulling out a branch here, adding a bit of fullness there—so it actually fits your mantel or door frame.

There’s also the sustainability angle. Using locally sourced branches, especially from pruning or storm falls, is a gentle way to decorate. You’re working with what’s already available instead of adding more plastic decor to your life. After the season, most of the materials can go back to the earth as compost or mulch.

Types of Branches You Can Use to Make Garland From Tree Branches

You don’t need fancy or exotic greenery to make something beautiful. In fact, some of the most charming garlands come from very ordinary trees. Below are the main types of branches people use most often, plus what each one does best in a garland.

Evergreen Branches

Evergreens are the classic choice, especially for winter or holiday garlands. They hold needles relatively well, smell wonderful, and instantly feel festive. Common options include:

Fir (like fir or balsam): Soft needles, full look, lovely scent; a great base for most garlands.
Spruce: Stiffer needles, slightly prickly, but very structured and formal looking.
Pine (white pine, Scotch pine, etc.): Longer needles, softer and more relaxed, nice for drapey, romantic garlands.
Cedar: Flat, feathery fronds; perfect for adding texture and a trailing, layered look.
Juniper: Small blue berries, delicate branches, fantastic for accents and scent.

As a rule of thumb, choose one or two evergreens as your structural base (fir or pine works well) and then layer in others like cedar or juniper for interest. If you know you want a full holiday feel, you might later dive deeper into a dedicated seasonal tutorial such as a DIY evergreen garland from tree branches that goes all‑in on winter greenery and Christmas details.

Deciduous and Bare Branches

You can also make garland from tree branches that aren’t evergreen at all. Bare branches, twigs, and flexible stems can create a minimal, sculptural look that works year‑round, not just in winter.

Willow: Very flexible and great for wrapping or weaving into a base.
Birch twigs: Pale, textured, and airy; lovely for modern, Scandinavian‑inspired garlands.
Dogwood (especially red or yellow twig): Adds color and linear structure.
Fruit tree prunings (apple, cherry, etc.): Often slightly curved and characterful.

These branches work especially well in a minimal branch garland that shows off negative space and line. If you love that quiet, uncluttered look, you might eventually spin this idea into its own project and follow a more focused tutorial like a minimal branch garland from tree branches dedicated to airy, modern designs.

Herbs, Eucalyptus, and Flowering Branches

For softer, more fragrant garlands, herbs and non‑woody stems are lovely. They’re not as long‑lasting as fir or pine, but for a dinner party or weekend gathering, they can be perfect.

Eucalyptus (seeded or silver dollar): Silvery tone and beautiful movement.
Rosemary: Strong scent, small needles, and structured shape.
Lavender stems: Wonderful fragrance and soft color.
Flowering branches (in season): Apple blossoms, cherry, or forsythia branches tucked in lightly.

These are best used as accents alongside sturdier branches, especially if you’re making a garland from tree branches that needs to last a week or more. For short‑term styling—say, a weekend escape‑style dinner you’re hosting at home—they can absolutely be the star for a night.

Tools and Supplies Checklist for Making Garland From Tree Branches

Before you start cutting anything, it helps to gather your tools. Trying to hold branches, cut wire, and keep sap off your clothes all at once is… not ideal. Here’s a simple checklist you can adapt based on what you already own.

Essential Tools

Pruning shears or sharp garden clippers for cutting branches into manageable pieces.
Floral wire or paddle wire (22–24 gauge for most projects; 18–20 gauge for heavier garlands).
Wire cutters so you’re not destroying your pruners on metal.
Sturdy twine or jute if you prefer tying bundles instead of using only wire.
Gloves to protect your hands from sap and prickly needles.

Optional but Helpful Extras

Command hooks or cup hooks for hanging on walls, door frames, and mantels.
Zip ties for quick, strong connections (especially on stair rails and outdoors).
Ribbon for tying bows or softening attachment points.
String lights (indoor or outdoor rated, depending on where you hang your garland).
Pinecones, dried oranges, or berries for embellishment.
Drop cloth or old sheet to catch needles and sap while you work.
Olive oil or hand cleaner to remove sap from your hands afterward.

If you’re also interested in more detailed hanging methods—how to secure decor to mantels, railings, and doorways without damage—you may eventually want a dedicated, hardware‑focused guide like how to hang garland from tree branches that zeroes in on hooks, ties, and safety.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Garland From Tree Branches

This is the basic method you can adapt for almost any style. Once you’ve tried it once or twice, you’ll probably find yourself tweaking things based on your own space and the kind of branches you find.

Step 1: Decide Where Your Garland Will Go

Before you cut a single branch, decide where your garland is going to live. A slim garland along a mantel behaves differently than a heavy, draped garland over a doorway or wound along a staircase. Each space needs slightly different length, fullness, and flexibility.

Mantels usually look best with a medium‑full garland that can sit or be lightly tied in place.
Doorways often need a longer garland that can bend gently around the frame.
Stair rails need a strong base and secure attachment points so they don’t sag where people hold the rail.
Tables work well with lighter garlands that don’t overwhelm dishes and candles.

Measure the area with a tape measure or even a piece of string that you later measure. Add at least 10–20% extra length for gentle drapes, curves, or trimming at the ends.

Step 2: Prepare and Process Your Branches

If you’re foraging or using pruned branches, you’ll probably come home with long, uneven pieces. Don’t worry. You’re going to cut them down into smaller, manageable sections anyway.

Cut branches into pieces about 20–40 cm (8–16 inches) long, depending on how full you want the garland.
Strip needles or leaves from the bottom 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) of each piece so there’s a clean section to wrap with wire.
Sort branches into piles: base greenery, accent greenery, and decorative accents (berries, pods, herbs).

This sorting step feels a bit fussy at first, but it makes the actual assembly much smoother. You’ll know exactly what you have to work with, and you can quickly grab the right pieces as you go.

Step 3: Make Small Bundles

A garland made from tree branches is really just a series of small bundles wired together in a row. Bundles give you control over volume and shape.

Take 3–5 pieces of your base greenery or branches and fan them out slightly.
Add one or two accent pieces (like cedar fronds or eucalyptus stems) on top.
Hold the bundle tightly near the stripped ends and wrap floral wire around the stems 3–5 times until it’s snug.
Leave a short tail of wire so you can attach the bundle to your main garland line later.

Make a dozen or so bundles before you start wiring them all together. It’s easier to get into a rhythm that way. If you realize they’re too big or too small midway through, you can adjust bundle size for the next batch.

Step 4: Create a Base Line (Optional but Helpful)

Some people like to wire bundles directly to a long, thick strand of floral wire. Others prefer a natural base like rope, twine, or even a flexible branch like willow. Either method works; having a base just gives your garland extra stability.

Cut a length of strong twine or thicker wire slightly longer than your measured space.
Secure one end to a hook or heavy object on your table so it doesn’t twist while you work.
Lay the first bundle at one end, angled so the leafy part points away from the end of the garland.

If you prefer a more natural look without a visible base, you can also overlap bundles directly, wiring stems to stems, but that takes a bit more practice to keep everything secure.

Step 5: Attach Bundles in One Direction

Now comes the satisfying part—actually making the garland from your tree branches. The key is to keep all the bundles pointing the same direction so the stems are hidden as you go.

Place your first bundle at the end of the base line and wrap its wire tail tightly around the base.
Lay the second bundle so its leafy tops overlap the wired stems of the first bundle, hiding them.
Wrap the wire tail of the second bundle around the base line the same way.
Repeat, overlapping each new bundle with the previous one, working your way down the base.

Step back every few bundles and check for even fullness. If you see a skinny area, you can add a small mini‑bundle on top and wire it into place like a patch.

Step 6: Decide What to Do at the Ends

Once you reach the length you need, you have a few options for finishing the ends of your garland:

Neat, tapered ends: Use slightly smaller bundles at the very ends so the garland gently tapers off.
Looped ends: Form a small loop with your base line and secure it with wire so you can hang the garland on a nail or hook.
Decorative ends: Tie ribbon, attach a cluster of pinecones, or add a small bouquet of branches at the ends as a feature.

If your garland is going across a mantel or table, simple tapered ends usually look best. For doorways or stair rails, loops make hanging much easier.

Step 7: Add Accents and Details

At this point, you’ve learned the core method: you can make garland from tree branches that’s already quite pretty. If you want to take it further, you can layer in accents.

Tuck in sprigs of herbs (rosemary, thyme) for scent near places people sit or gather.
Wire in pinecones by wrapping wire around the base or between scales, then twisting it onto the garland.
Add dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or seed pods for a natural, old‑world look.
For a minimalist branch garland, you might skip most of these and let the shape of the branches be the star.

If you decide you want a more holiday‑specific evergreen look with lots of traditional greenery and ornaments, that’s a good moment to spin off a separate project and follow a more seasonal tutorial such as DIY evergreen garland from tree branches, reusing the same base technique but focusing on Christmas styling.

Step 8: Test the Garland in Place

Before you commit to hanging hardware, test your garland where it will live. Lay it along the mantel, hold it up to the doorway with a helper, or drape it loosely on the stair rail.

Check for balance: Are there areas that look too heavy or too thin?
Look at how it drapes: Does it bend naturally around corners, or do you need to adjust bundle angles?
Make any quick trims now: snip stray stems, tuck in extra sprigs where needed.

This test run usually reveals small tweaks that make a big difference. It’s much easier to adjust on the table than once the garland is fully installed.

Design Variations When You Make Garland From Tree Branches

Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, it becomes much more fun. You can play with style, scale, and mood while still using the same underlying method. Here are a few directions to experiment with.

Full, Classic Evergreen Garland

This is the quintessential holiday look: dense, layered evergreen branches forming a lush rope of green. To create it, use larger bundles (more stems per bundle) and overlap them generously so there are no gaps.

Use fir or pine as your main base, with cedar and juniper added for depth.
Keep bundles closer together, with less bare base showing.
Add traditional accents like red berries, pinecones, ribbon, or warm white lights.

When you’re ready to go deeper into this cozy, seasonal style, a more detailed guide like DIY evergreen garland from tree branches can walk through specific evergreen combinations, color palettes, and holiday‑only ideas in more depth than this broad overview.

Minimal, Airy Branch Garland

On the other end of the spectrum, a branch garland can be very stripped back: bare twigs, a few well‑placed leaves, maybe a string of fairy lights. This works beautifully in more modern or Scandinavian‑inspired interiors.

Use thinner branches like birch, willow, or dogwood as the main structural elements.
Space bundles further apart so you see the negative space and the line of the garland.
Limit your palette to one or two materials and a single accent, like tiny white lights.

If this speaks to you, you might enjoy exploring a more narrowly focused tutorial such as minimal branch garland from tree branches, where everything is about composition, line, and a softer, quieter palette.

Foraged Woodland Garland

A foraged woodland garland is all about mixing textures and small discoveries: bits of mossy branch, rose hips, seed pods, tiny cones, and whatever else you find on a walk. It looks less polished and more like a slice of forest floor pulled into your home.

Start with a simple evergreen base for structure.
Tuck in small twigs, mossy fragments, or lichen‑covered branches.
Add wild berries or seed heads, making sure anything you use is safe around kids and pets.

This style has a certain storybook quality that fits nicely with a nature‑inspired home. It also adapts well to different seasons—evergreen heavy in winter, more leafy and twiggy in autumn, and lighter in spring.

Tabletop and Mantel Garlands

Not every garland has to hang. A low, slightly looser garland laid down the center of a table or across a mantel can be incredibly effective and much easier to manage.

Build your garland with slightly smaller bundles so it doesn’t overpower dishes or decor.
Focus on stability—since it won’t hang, you can get away with a bit less wiring.
Integrate candles or lanterns by leaving small pockets in the greenery where they can sit safely.

If you find yourself styling a lot of tablescapes, the same principles can carry into seasonal centerpieces, using many of the branch and evergreen combinations you’ve already practiced here.

How to Hang and Secure a Garland Made From Tree Branches

Making a garland is one thing; getting it to stay where you want is another. The right hanging approach depends on your surface, the weight of your garland, and whether you’re okay with using nails or need everything to be removable.

Hanging on a Mantel

Mantels are usually the easiest place to display a garland. You can simply lay it along the top, but if you want drapes or swags, you’ll need a few anchor points.

Place your garland along the mantel and adjust it until you like the shape.
Use small, removable hooks on the front edge of the mantel to hold draped portions.
Where the garland dips, wrap a bit of wire or twine around both the garland and the hook to hold it in place.

If the surface allows, tiny finishing nails or screw‑in hooks offer a stronger hold, especially for heavier evergreen garlands.

Hanging Around a Doorway

Door garlands are show‑stopping, but they do need a bit more planning. You’re working with gravity and frequent movement through the space.

Install small hooks or nails at the top corners of the door frame and in the middle top.
Use loops at the ends of your garland to hook over the corner hooks.
Secure the top middle with wire or zip ties, making sure the garland isn’t pulling too hard on any single point.
Add a couple of subtle anchor points halfway down each side if needed to prevent swinging.

For renters or delicate trim, sturdier adhesive hooks rated for outdoor use can work, but test them with the garland weight before relying on them entirely.

Hanging on a Stair Rail

Stair rails are beautiful with greenery, but safety matters: people still need to use the rail. Aim to keep the top portion of the handrail mostly clear while letting the garland follow the line of the staircase.

Attach the garland along the underside or side of the rail rather than the top.
Use zip ties or strong twine at regular intervals (every 20–30 cm / 8–12 inches for heavy garlands).
Trim or reposition any sections that jut into the stair path.

If you want more diagrams, hardware options, and specific spacing suggestions, a more specialized guide on how to hang garland from tree branches can walk through stair rails, mantels, and exterior installs in detail.

Hanging Outdoors

Outdoor garlands face wind, moisture, and temperature swings. On the plus side, they often stay fresher longer because of the cool air.

Use stronger wire and more anchor points than you think you need.
Avoid very delicate accents that will blow away or fall off easily.
Check the garland after the first major gust or rain and tighten any loose areas.

If you’re using lights outside, make sure they’re rated for outdoor use and plugged into weather‑safe outlets or extension cords. Safety is never the glamorous part, but it’s important.

Caring for a Garland Made From Fresh Tree Branches

Fresh greenery doesn’t last forever indoors, but with a bit of care, you can keep a garland looking good for days or even a couple of weeks.

How Long Will It Last?

The lifespan of a garland made from tree branches depends on:

Type of greenery: Fir and cedar usually last longer than softer pines and delicate herbs.
Temperature: Cool rooms extend life; warm, dry rooms shorten it.
Placement: Direct sunlight, heaters, or active fireplaces will dry it faster.

As a rough guideline, expect 7–14 days of good appearance indoors for most evergreen garlands, and longer outdoors in cool climates. Herb‑heavy garlands will be happiest at the shorter end of that range.

Keeping Greenery Fresh

A few small habits can make a noticeable difference:

Mist the garland lightly with water once a day, especially near heat sources.
If possible, build it a day ahead and keep it in a cool, shaded spot before installing.
Avoid placing candles directly beneath low‑hanging greenery.

If you live in a very dry climate, you might experiment with anti‑desiccant sprays (the kind used on Christmas trees), but always test on a small piece first to make sure you like how the foliage looks afterward.

Dealing With Sap

Sap is part of the deal with many conifers, and it can be annoying. To manage it:

Wear gloves while handling resinous branches.
Use a drop cloth under your work area and where you’re hanging, if possible.
To remove sap from skin, rub a little olive oil or an oil‑based cleanser on the sticky area, then wash with soap and water.

On fabrics, sap can be trickier, so it’s worth protecting surfaces you care about while you work.

Pets, Kids, and Safety

Many common evergreens are generally low‑risk when used as decor, but some plants and berries can be irritating or mildly toxic if chewed. If you have curious pets or small children:

Avoid using unknown berries or plants you can’t confidently identify.
Keep garlands out of easy grabbing range when possible.
Skip small loose decorations that could become choking hazards if they fall off.

Also, be cautious with lights. Check that wiring is intact, avoid overloading outlets, and don’t let bulbs press directly against very dry foliage.

Troubleshooting Common Garland Issues

Even with care, a few things tend to go wrong the first time you make garland from tree branches. Here are the most common issues and easy fixes.

The Garland Looks Uneven

If one section looks fuller or thinner than the rest:

Tuck in a small extra bundle where it looks sparse, wiring it on top of the existing garland.
Trim back overly full spots with pruners, snipping a few stems at a time until it feels balanced.

Step back a few meters and look again; it’s amazing how different a garland can look from a distance versus up close.

The Garland Is Too Floppy

If your garland bends awkwardly or collapses in the middle:

Add a stronger base line (thicker wire or rope) and secure the garland to it in a few spots.
Use more anchor points on the wall, mantel, or rail so weight is distributed.
For very long runs, build two shorter garlands and overlap them slightly instead of forcing one huge piece.

Sometimes the solution is simply a bit less ambition: a slightly shorter or lighter garland can still look stunning and is much easier to manage.

Needles Are Dropping Everywhere

Some shedding is normal, but if you’re covered in needles:

Check if the branches were already dry when you started; fresher greenery will always perform better.
Move the garland away from direct heat sources or intense sunlight.
Mist lightly and consider shortening the amount of time you keep it up indoors.

For next time, if you know your home is very warm and dry, you might lean more toward a minimal branch garland that uses bare twigs and fewer needles and follow ideas from a guide like minimal branch garland from tree branches.

The Center Join Looks Messy

When you make a very long garland, you might build it from two shorter pieces that meet somewhere in the middle. That join can be tricky to hide.

Overlap the ends of the two garlands by 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) instead of butting them together.
Use extra accent greenery to cover the overlap area.
Consider placing the join behind a decor element—like a large bow, a cluster of pinecones, or a central wreath—so it’s less visible.

With a bit of intention, the join can actually become a feature rather than a flaw.

What to Do With Your Garland After the Season

When the season wraps up and the branches have gone from lush to brittle, it’s time to say goodbye, but not necessarily to everything.

Cut away the wire or twine and separate the branches.
Compost or mulch the greenery if you have access to a compost bin or yard waste service.
Save reusable elements like ribbons, pinecones, dried ornaments, and hooks for next year.

If you’re careful when dismantling, you’ll slowly build up a small “decor library”—ribbons, cones, reusable accents—that you can mix with fresh branches each year without starting from scratch.

Bringing It All Together

Making garland from tree branches isn’t complicated once you see the process broken into steps. You gather branches, turn them into small bundles, wire those bundles one after another, and then refine the shape with trimming and accents. That’s really it. Everything else is just your own style and the particular branches you have on hand.

Over time, you might find you prefer certain types of greenery, or that you naturally lean toward full, traditional garlands in winter and lighter branch garlands the rest of the year. You might also develop favorite ways to hang and style them around your home—on doorways for welcoming friends in, on mantels for cozy evenings, or down the center of a long table for a weekend gathering.

The nice thing is that none of this has to be perfect. Branches bend. Needles shed. You adjust, tuck, and trim until it feels right. And that quiet process—hands full of greenery, floor covered in needles, a little mess and a lot of scent—is half the reason to make garland from tree branches in the first place.