13 DIY Outdoor Christmas Tree Alternatives That Are Pure Genius

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Many know Christmas trees are a part of holiday traditions, but some trees are so old that they have lost their charm and appeal. If you’re sick of the same ol’ Christmas tree, year after year, we have some ideas to inspire you with ways to decorate your Christmas trees in this season with a little flair and without being eco unfriendly.

If you’re crazy about your trees outside but don’t want to break the bank, these DIY outdoor tree ideas will help you make a statement with your decorations without spending a cent, while celebrating the magic of the holidays and the beauty of nature.

Pallet Tree

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Maybe you have a bunch of old wooden pallets collecting dust, and what better way to use them then to make a DIY outdoor tree? With just a little sanding and a coat of paint, these pallets can turn into a chic, rustic Christmas tree. Throw some string lights, baubles and garland on top and layer them at different heights and you’ve got yourself a Christmas centerpiece. You’re recycling, it’s a win win.

Wire Frame Tree

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If you’re looking for something a bit more modern and minimal, then maybe a wire frame tree is what you need. To make a sleek, glowing tree silhouette, you’ll need some wire, a frame and lights. The best part? This tree won’t shed needles all over your yard. It’s a great choice if you want something that takes up less space, but still has an impact in terms of style.

Garden Hoop Tree

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Garden hoops can be repurposed into a whimsical Christmas tree that sets you apart. You simply have to stack a few hoops, with each one a little smaller than the other. Then drape it with some fairy lights and some colorful ornaments, and zip tie or twine them together. If you want to make your basket more magical, you can hang up some sparkly ribbons from the hoops. This is a simple DIY that looks like it should be in a holiday catalog.

Ladder Tree

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Old wooden ladders aren’t just for getting to high shelves, they can even make a lovely family Christmas tree indoors or out. Hang your favorite holiday decorations from the rungs of a wooden ladder that you lean against a wall or fence. Wrap the lights around the ladder, drape garlands over the ladder, and put smaller wrapped presents at the bottom of the ladder. The result is a cool, but stylish tree for a more relaxed holiday atmosphere.

Driftwood Tree

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If you’re one of the lucky ones that lives by the beach or have a stash of driftwood lying around, why not try turning some of that driftwood into a beautiful outdoor Christmas tree instead? You can get variety of driftwood sticks and put them in the shape of a cone. If you don’t have time, you can use the fishing wire or twine to hook them to the tree, adding to the natural ornaments such as pine cones, stars or beach decorations.

PVC Pipe Tree

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If you have a hacksaw and fancy a good DIY challenge why not give a PVC pipe tree a try? Cut the pipes to different lengths, and stick them together to form a conical shape, and decorate the conical stack with lights and ornaments. This project is beautiful in its durability: the tree can handle unpredictable weather. You can also paint it or add festive fabric or garlands.

Wine Bottle Tree

If you’re a wine lover, this is an eco friendly and upcycled idea! Fill festive colours into empty wine bottles, paint them and stack them into a tree shape. Securely glue them together and string some lights through the bottles for a little sparkle. To get really creative, you can fill the bottles with fake snow or glitter to make the tree look frosty.

Tree From Mason Jars and Pallet Wood

A rustic chic tree made of pallet wood and mason jars is both functional and beautiful. Take a few pallet slats and make a tiny triangular structure and attach mason jars to it! Fill jars with fairy lights, put ornaments in them or even just greenery for a natural touch. This is the perfect design for patios and porches when you want a beautiful Christmas tree with a feeling of old world.

Cinder Block Tree

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If you want something a little different, you can make a DIY outdoor tree out of a bunch of cinder blocks. The trick is to stack them in a pyramid like fashion and fill the spaces in between with twinkling lights and over the top season decorations like pine cones or fake snow. It’s simple, strong, modern and with an industrial edge. This one is going to make a nice quirky no fuss decoration.

Crate Tree

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Stacking wooden crates in different configurations can produce a very stylish multi-tiered tree. You can fill the crates with Christmas goodies, like candles, ornaments, or small gifts, and paint them in bright colors, then arrange them in a tree shape. With some fairy lights, tinsel, or a star on top, you’ll have a holiday piece that will stand out in your yard.

Bamboo Tree

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If you want a tropical Christmas, this is it. Why not make a tree from bamboo poles? Bamboo is the sustainable option as it is lightweight, eco friendly, and adjustable into a beautiful holiday tree. You just cut the bamboo of different sizes, put them in a triangular shape, then decorate with string lights, colorful ribbons or handmade ornaments. If you have an outdoor space which is all about nature and fresh air, this tree will suit you.

A Christmas Tree From a Ladder and Evergreen Boughs

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This is a natural twist on the typical ladder tree, this one is made of fresh evergreen boughs, for a fragrant tree. You can just wire them down over the rungs of a leaning ladder, drape the boughs. Now, add a few lights, or ribbons, or ornaments to pull it all together. It will look beautiful, but that fresh greenery will fill the air with the crisp, piney scent of Christmas.

Wood Slice Tree

If you love woodworking or have a fun woodworking DIY project that you want to do, you can make a tree out of stacked wood slices. Cut yourself some logs (or get some pre cut ones) and cut some slices off of them and stack them in a cone shape and attach them with some strong adhesive or nails. Top it off with a simple star or bow, add lights to highlight the natural texture of the wood. This is a good idea for those who don’t want a traditional tree.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.