DIY A Stunning Faux Fall Tree That Looks Like The Real Deal

The best part of fall is the beautiful changing leaves, and there's no better way to embrace the season than by bringing nature's artwork home with some foliage of your own. While there are plenty of store-bought products to choose from, there's something about the real thing that overshadows the fake. One way to achieve the look and feel of a real fall tree is by DIYing your own stunning creation — all you have to do is glue fabric leaves to a fallen tree branch secured in a small bucket of cement mix.

This craft transforms generic faux foliage into a realistic potted autumn sapling. It's best suited to intermediate DIYers because of the various steps and use of concrete mix, but of all the fall home decor trends to embrace this year, you'll be glad you tried this one. Lean into the biophilic design craze with an indoor or outdoor feature you'll want to recreate every year. Check out how to make your own tree with a little elbow grease and your handy hot glue gun.

To get started you'll need to collect some supplies, including a tall branch from your yard, and some faux autumn leaves. Use Dollar Tree foliage to create your cozy fall planter or the more realistic HO2NLE 6-piece fall floral stem set. You'll also need a glue gun with wood glue sticks, a plastic container like a margarine tub, some cement mix, and a decorative plant pot. Once you've assembled your materials, the fun begins.

Start by mixing a small amount of cement mix in your container. Push the branch into the base and let this dry before moving on. Use hot glue to adhere the fake branches to the real one. Add additional leaves as needed to fill in gaps. Place the plastic vessel in your chosen planter, and you've got a gorgeous tree that looks nearly real. Instagramer Shellychicboutique said this project took her under 30 minutes to complete, but your time may vary based on how intricate you get with it. Customize the project further to bring the magic of autumn to your home.

Some ways to make this tree your own include adding twinkle lights or topping the base of the planter with faux moss, dried corn cobs, or festive gourds. You can also spritz the leaves in glitter, perhaps with Nuvo sparkle spray. If you've gone with oak foliage, glue on acorns for a natural touch. There's also the decorative pot to consider. You can create a rustic planter on a budget by wrapping the container in sisal rope or burlap. 

It's also a good idea to consider the longevity of the project by adding functional finishing touches. Placement dictates how to best protect the tree from wear and tear. If you want to set this outside on the front porch, spray it with a waterproof sealant like Aleene's Spray Finish first. You'll also want to look at the type of twinkle lights you buy. One benefit to an outdoor display is the use of a solar LED strand over a battery pack. You may also need to give the leaves a little extra adhesive to keep them in place on windy days. If you go with an indoor tree, be conscious of pets and how they may react to your autumn planter. Protect the delicate leaves by placing them higher up during the initial build. However you customize your creation, it's sure to bring a sense of nature and cozy fall flavor to your home.