3. Log Slice Stepping Stones from Pruned Branches
Every time you prune a tree or take down a dead shrub, you’re holding a stepping stone. Thick rounds of branch or trunk, cut to 5cm or so, make a rustic path that blends straight into planting beds.
What you’ll need:
- Branch or trunk sections, ideally from rot-resistant species like oak, cedar, or robinia
- A chainsaw or a bow saw and plenty of patience
- Linseed oil or a wood preservative
- Gravel or coarse sand to bed them in
Cut the rounds as evenly as you can, then let them dry somewhere airy for a few weeks — green wood shrinks and cracks as it dries, and you’d rather that happened before they’re in the ground. Sand the top face, seal it with two coats of oil, and set the slices into a shallow trench of compacted gravel so the top sits just above soil level.
Time: an afternoon to lay, plus weeks of drying beforehand. Difficulty: beginner-friendly if you have a saw and a strong back.
Space the rounds to suit your stride — around 60cm apart feels natural for most adults. Small offcuts can be tucked between the big ones to create a mosaic, and gaps can be planted with creeping thyme or mind-your-own-business, which softens the edges beautifully over time.
💡 Pro Tip: Softwoods like pine and willow rot within a couple of years in damp ground. If your only available timber is softwood, sit each slice on a thin bed of gravel rather than directly on soil and re-oil it annually.