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.
![Rope Ladder Tree Rustic Ladder Tree](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/9/19/1/Original_BPF_Holiday-House-2016_Rope-Ladder-Tree_COVER-h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1474334168272.webp)
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.
![Rope Ladder Tree Hack Saw Cutting](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/9/19/1/Original_BPF_Holiday-House-2016_Rope-Ladder-Tree_Step1-Cut-Logs.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1474334168790.webp)
Photographer: Christina Wedge
Cut Twine
Measure, mark and cut the twine in two 54-inch lengths (one for each side of the tree).
![Rope Ladder Tree Measuring Twine](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/9/19/1/Original_BPF_Holiday-House-2016_Rope-Ladder-Tree_Step2-Cut-Jute-Twine.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1474334167836.webp)
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.
![Rope Ladder Tree Log Ladder](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/9/19/1/Original_BPF_Holiday-House-2016_Rope-Ladder-Tree_Step3-Tie-Logs-Together.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1474334169059.webp)
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.
![Rope Ladder Tree Twine Knot](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/9/19/1/Original_BPF_Holiday-House-2016_Rope-Ladder-Tree_Step4-Knot-at-Top.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1474334168044.webp)
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.
![Rope Ladder Tree Log Ladder Craft](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/9/19/1/Original_BPF_Holiday-House-2016_Rope-Ladder-Tree_Step5-Add-LED-Lights.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1474334168107.webp)
Photographer: Christina Wedge
Add Bow
Using the natural-fiber ribbon, create a large bow to camouflage the battery pack.
![Rope Ladder Tree Fiber Ribbon Bow](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/9/19/1/Original_BPF_Holiday-House-2016_Rope-Ladder-Tree_Step6-Add-a-Bow.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1474334168251.webp)
Photographer: Christina Wedge