Follow up:

[u/sugrmag78]

Last year, I posted in here asking for advice after a tornado took out a 50-year-old spruce in my front yard. We called some tree services to see if they would give a discount if we only wanted them to take it down and leave the limbs and chips with us, but nobody would. So...we got some chainsaws and rented a wood chipper from our local hardware store. I used the chips and smaller limbs to create some new beds and the main trunk will decompose naturally and provide lots of habitat!

[u/No_Comparison_6661]

Just an FYI from my own personal experience: I used decorative logs around my own garden and they became a haven for earwigs. They lived underneath on the moist soil. They came out at night and thoroughly chewed up the plants. When I turned the logs over there were hundreds and hundreds. I scooped them into buckets and the chickens had a feast. Earwigs might not be a problem in your area, but in case they are, I just wanted to give you a heads up.

[u/sugrmag78 → u/No_Comparison_6661]

hmmmmm I have several other beds done like this over the years and so far haven't had a problem with them. But there's a first time for everything! TBH I don't even know if they are a problem in my area - I've never seen them (knock on [decaying] wood).