I felt bad about cutting the dead tree down. Amanda from Sprout Farms mentioned mentioned her idea about using it as a birdbath or feeder. So that’s what I did. I trimmed back the dead branches, looking at it from all sides and considering a location for a saucer that would make a good birdbath. After trimming just enough to support the saucer, I inserted an old stick to hold up the saucer, then I secured it with some wire. I also drilled holes into it for pollinators.
Voilà! My dead tree has a new purpose and in permaculture terms, I’m stacking functions.
The tree now serves the following purposes:
· It’s a trellis for clematis or other vining plants.
· It holds up a saucer for a birdbath or bird feeder.
· It’s a support for the hummingbird feeder.
· It is potentially a home for pollinators.
· Birds use it as a perch.
Have I missed any other functions or ideas? I’d love to hear from you!