Uses for Tree Stumps

By Home & Garden Last updated Thursday, June/20/2024

Tree stumps possess creative potential.tree stump image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com

For many gardeners or home owners, tree stumps are unsightly reminders of what was once there. These formidable obstacles require significant effort and money to remove. For those who do not have the resources to remove the stumps, or who do not wish to do so, try these creative approaches to make use of what was once a nuisance.

Table

Depending on a stump’s size and placement, a tree stump may provide a natural, sturdy outdoor table. Using a stump as a table juxtaposes form and function, and uses the outdoor space efficiently. Low stumps may act as a kind of coffee or end-table, and thanks to their density, they can also easily serve as a stool when seating is limited. To highlight a tree-stump table, place chairs around the stump, which then becomes an organic centerpiece and a design component rather than an unfortunate leftover.

A stump serves as a unique pedestal for potted plants or ornaments. To add color, cover the bark with moss. Or bore out the center of the stump, fill it with soil, and grow new plants right out of the tree’s base, to add new life to an otherwise dead space. Instead of filling the hole with soil, gardeners can fill the space with water and create a bird bath. Water will naturally leak out, so line the hole with concrete or plastic, or simply place a bowl inside the stump. Adding a fountain will keep the water moving, to prevent insects from breeding, and will also add a sense of tranquility to the space.

For the artistic gardener, the tree stump may be raw material to be molded and shaped. Using a chain saw and a chisel, you can create any number of carving designs to add some personalized flair to the outdoor space. Simply add detail around the surface of the stump, or dig deeper to create a wooden statue. Carvings will highlight the natural material, transforming the plain stump into a unique feature. This works best when the stump is fairly high out of the ground and completely dry.