How to Build a Garden Gate With Saplings

Cut three 3-inch diameter saplings. The wood should be green and flexible and fairly straight. Cut off any branches, twigs and leaves on the saplings. Cut the saplings so they are each 3-feet long.

Measure your opening for the gate. Subtract 3 inches from the measurement to allow the gate swing room. Place two of the saplings on a flat surface as far apart as the measurement. Place the third sapling directly in between them. The pieces must be parallel to each other.

Cut four 2-inch diameter saplings. Measure the saplings, so they are the same length as the gate opening. Clean off any twigs, branches or leaves on the saplings. These will be your cross braces.

Places the cross braces across the three 3-inch diameter saplings. Arrange them horizontally across the saplings so they are spaced 12 inches apart. Use garden twine to tie each new sapling to each of the previous three saplings. The garden twine will temporarily hold the pieces in place.

Cut several 1-inch diameter saplings to measure 3 feet long. Clean the saplings of any twigs or leaves. These will be weaving material.

Tie the end of the first piece of weaving material to the bottom cross brace. Weave the piece in and out of each cross brace and tie it on to the top cross brace. Repeat with each piece of weaving material adding as many as you would like.

Hammer a 1-inch nail through each joint in the gate to permanently attach the saplings together. Larger joints may require the nail to be inserted at an angle for the best hold. Remove the twine if desired or leave it on for a more rustic look. Attach the gate hinge to the side of the gate, using nails to prepare the gate for hanging.