What grows up must come down when it comes to trees, but grinding or digging out the stump can be expensive and a lot of work. Instead, use these tree stump ideas to experiment with something new in your garden. Whether you decided to remove the tree or Mother Nature made the decision for you, now's your chance to get creative with what remains.
Create a Natural Planter
Often, when a tree comes down, it is because the inside is hollow. Use the opportunity to create a rustic planter for your flowering annuals. Fill the cavity with potting soil and add your favorite flowers.
Remember, the stump-pot might not drain water like an ordinary store-bought planter. Use the finger test (stick your finger in the soil to feel if it is damp) before adding water to help avoid drowning your plants.
Build a Bird Bath
Trees provide homes for insects, mammals, and birds. Bring wildlife back to your garden by turning the stump into a bird bath. Purchase a premade basin at your favorite home and garden store, or get creative and make your own like the concrete bowl shown here. Using a tree stump as the base for your new bird bath will help it to look right at home in your garden.
Be sure to fill the water in your bird bath regularly to keep it fresh and clean.
Make a Pedestal for Garden Art
Elevate sculptures and other garden decor pieces by using a tree stump as a pedestal. If a fancy bronze statue isn't in your budget, even empty wine bottles and scrap metal can be turned into an artsy "bottle tree." Explore second-hand stores and even your garage for any object that brings you joy and proudly display it in your garden.
Make a Natural Table
A sturdy tree stump in an opportune spot can make an excellent garden table for holding a cup of coffee and a pot of flowers. Pull up a chair or make your own out of the cut pieces of the rest of the tree, and enjoy a relaxing beverage in the garden.
A Support for Climbing Plants
Stumps of all sizes can be used as a natural plant support. If you are having trouble training your vines up the sides of your stump, try pounding nails into the top and sides of the stump and string it with rope or twine to provide something for delicate tendrils to grab onto.
Build a Birdhouse
A taller tree stump can make a perfect post for a large birdhouse. Build or purchase a premade birdhouse in whatever style you like. Securely attach the house to the wood, or a strong wind or curious animal may cause it to tumble. Another idea for the stump is to predrill 2-inch wide holes into the side of the trunk to help create habitat for cavity-nesting birds. This will work best on tall stumps or standing dead trees, ideally 8-10 feet tall or higher. Try to make these holes about 3 inches below a branch.
Place a Planter
Turn a tree stump into a planter stand. Use a natural or earth tone-colored vessel to emphasize the plants. Or go with a brightly colored pot or one with a strong pattern or design to draw the eye and make a statement in the landscape.
Let the Stump Be
Of all the possible tree stump ideas, perhaps the most straightforward one is to just let it be. Stumps, especially those of trees that have fallen naturally and not been sawed flat with a chainsaw, have a natural beauty. Surround them with colorful plants and allow the natural decay process to ease the remnants of the once magnificent tree back to the earth. In the meantime, all sorts of wildlife will continue to use the stump as habitat. Sometimes, letting nature be is the best option.
DIY Chairs and Stools
After a long day of chopping wood, building birdhouses, and working in the garden, you need a place to sit back and rest. Turn the stump into a stool or even a high-backed chair if you're up for that level of fancy saw work, and take a seat. The rest of the downed tree can be used to make more seats. Do it yourself or hire a professional to handle the saw. Chainsaws are efficient but dangerous if not used properly.