When you have a tree cut down in your backyard, you’re left with two options: remove the stump or leave it as is. While many homeowners choose to remove the stump for various reasons, there’s also a number of disadvantages to this option. The main ones are that this process is labor and time intensive, and costly.
But what if you don’t mind leaving the stump intact? How can you repurpose the stump as to not leave it as an eyesore? You can actually transform your tree trunks into an eye catching centerpiece for your garden. It’s a great way to repurpose the unused wood and adorn your garden space with some decorative ideas.
Here are five ways you can dress up and repurpose your remaining tree stump for your backyard and garden. There’s always a way to find beauty in places that most people do not expect. That in itself is art. So the next time you’re left with a tree stump, instead of thinking of how much of an eyesore it is- see it instead as an opportunity to get creative!
- Create a Tree Stump Planter
This is by far, one of the easiest ways to repurpose your tree stump. What better way to dress up your backyard or garden, than to make the stump a centerpiece?
With the growing popularity of succulents, all it takes is some patience and know-how and before you know it, you can use your stump as the base of a beautiful plot of soil and flowers and succulents, galore! You can even add a few decorative pieces around the stump and planting hole to add even more pizazz.
All you need to do is create a planter hole in the center of your stump by chipping away at the center with a tool such as a mattock. Then, you’ll want to be left with a hole that’s 4-8 inches deep and with a 3-inch border. Next, you’ll need to create a drainage hole so that when you water your plants, there is a place for the runoff water to flow down to the ground. Once you’ve completed this step- the real fun starts.
You’re finally ready to fill the hole. We recommend filling it at the bottom with gravel, then using a 30-70 mix of compost and soil. Then you’re ready to insert whatever eye catching succulent or plant of your choosing. Voila- a DIY stump planter!
- Turn Your Tree Stump into a Fairy House
This option is one that allows for the most self expression and creativity. The possibilities are endless in transforming your unsightly tree stump into a beautiful and magical fairy house. If you Google “tree stump fairy houses” you’ll see that there is an entire arsenal of photos and DIY kits that allow you to transform your unused wood into something much more.
We personally love the fairy houses that utilize little trap doors and walkways to make the house look even more realistic.
- Create a Small Outdoor Table
You can easily repurpose your stump as a decorative centerpiece table with just some table cloth and decorations. Not sure what to put on the table? Try little disposable candles inside glass jars as the centerpiece to your outdoor table.
This can bring a nice scenery for your outdoor space, even creating a scenic space for an outdoor dinner with friends. At night, the soft glow from the candles will bring out the beauty of your garden.
- Repurpose it into a Tree Stump Chair
Need a place to sit and rest while gardening? Or even to enjoy a nice outdoor reading session? Transform your tree stump into a resting chair! You can even add a sitting matt to soften the sitting space. You can leave the stump shape as is (which would make for a fine chair) or can even carve it into the shape of a more standard looking chair (pictured below).
The best part of all of this is that you can try all five ideas out with different tree stumps. By the end, your garden and backyard will look more like a magical oasis than a space littered with tree stumps. So the next time you need a tree removal, and are asked what you want to do with the remaining stump, take a second and think about the endless possibilities to repurpose it!