How to Transform an Old Tree Into a Striking Garden Pathway

Has a tree recently fallen on your property? Or perhaps you have an aging tree that needs to be taken down. Instead of throwing the remains away, consider repurposing the wood from the tree by turning it into a lovely garden pathway. The concept is simple: cut the trunk into slabs and use them to create an attractive walkway through your garden or landscape. Ahead, an expert landscape designer shares the best method for this straightforward gardening DIY.

Benefits of Using Wood Rounds for a Path

You can create a garden pathway out of all kinds of materials—wood chips, bricks, concrete, stones—but there are benefits to using log rounds. "Beyond the rustic, woodland look, using wood rounds for a path offers several functional and environmental advantages over traditional materials like stone, concrete, or pavers," says landscape designer Jan Johnsen. "If you are slicing up a fallen tree on site, you are saving money with this 'zero-waste' approach. You are repurposing 'waste' into a high-value landscape feature."

She notes that wood is a natural insulator, allowing bare feet and paws to stay comfortable even in direct July sunlight. "This is not true for stone and concrete, which can become scorching hot in the summer or icy cold in the winter," she adds. "And a wood round path allows for excellent water infiltration in the spaces between the rounds," says Johnsen. "This also reduces runoff and keeps the root systems of nearby trees well watered. Lastly, wood is easier on the joints than concrete, making it an ideal choice for a path you’ll be walking on daily while gardening."

How to Turn an Old Tree Into a Garden Pathway

This project is relatively straightforward. The most important things to consider are the type of wood you use, the tools required to cut it, and what you want the finished pathway to look like.

Choose Your Wood

If you're repurposing the trunk of a fallen tree, you won't have control over the wood, but keep in mind that the type of tree you use for this project will affect the path's longevity. "These tree slices act like sponges for moisture, so choosing the right species that has a high natural rot resistance is important," says Johnsen. She says the best is black locust, which is the most rot-resistant North American hardwood. "It can last 20 to 40 years even in direct soil contact," says Johnsen, adding that western red cedar and white oak are also good options. Tamarack trees grow in some northern regions and are highly water-resistant. Some softwoods, such as pine, may not be the best option, as they deteriorate more quickly.

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Consider Your Layout

Before you begin, it's smart to have a general plan for your layout. "Wood rounds can be set in an irregular layout that looks like it 'grew' into the space," says Johnsen. "My suggestion is to make it a meandering path by creating a gentle 'S' curve. This is best for wooded areas or paths leading to a hidden seating area." She also suggests grouping the rounds into sets of two or three, with one large "anchor" round measuring 18 inches in diameter and two smaller rounds measuring 8 to 10 inches in diameter alongside it. "This creates a cluster effect that is good for wide paths," she says. "Plant low-growing plants, such as creeping thyme or Irish moss (depending on whether your area gets enough light and moisture), for a finished look."

Cut the Rounds

For a project like this, the concept and ideas are the easy part, while executing your vision can be trickier. The right tools are necessary for success. A chainsaw is the most effective tool for this task because it provides fast, clean, efficient cuts. If you're not experienced with a chainsaw, another option is to use a handsaw. However, cutting enough rounds to make a pathway using a hand saw will be time-consuming and labor-intensive. No matter what tool you use, wearing protective gear, such as goggles and gloves, is essential. When cutting the rounds, cut them at least a few inches thick so they're not brittle. The wood will shrink and swell with the weather after it's cut, and you want it to easily hold up to foot traffic. Cut as many rounds as you need to create your pathway.