Reusing tree stumps and decorating ideas
When it comes time to cut down your tree, you want to think ahead and decide what to do with the stump. You can have it ground or removed by the tree service, or you can save and reuse it in your yard. Consider the following:

Here are ten ways to creatively reuse your stump:

1 – Plant a tree in your stump

This may seem strange, but when your stump starts to rot in the middle, you can plant a seedling or a sturdy outdoor plant directly into the stump. Simply cover the roots with nutritious compost and silty soil, watering two to three times a week.

This would most likely work best in a stump cut within one to two feet of the ground. Taller stumps would work for climbing or creeping plants.

2 – Tree Stump Plant Base
Potted plants appear on tree stump

Display your favorite potted plants by placing them on top of the stump. You can also use your stump as a place for your indoor plants to get some sun.

The stump height for this use depends on your preferences. The cut across the stump should be as even as possible for maximum stability.

3 – Tree stump statue pedestal
One way to give your garden statue a more organic look is to use your tree stump as its pedestal. You can complement your statue with surrounding plants or climbing vines.
The stump height for this idea depends on the weight of the statue and your ability to anchor it to the stump. The stability of the statue will also depend on a level cut across the stump.

4 – Tree stump Backyard Art
Your stump can be used to display letters, ornaments, figurines or other collectibles outdoors. You can even place some lawn chairs around the stump and serve some tea.

The stub height for this use depends on what you intend to display and how within reach you want it.

If you like to carve, a tree stump will offer you a “blank canvas” and
6 – Tree stump large shapes
In addition to carving artwork into a tree stump, you can use the entire stump to carve or carve out large objects like a giant Christmas ornament or an oversized mushroom.

7 – Tree stump chair
Depending on the location and diameter of the stump, you may benefit from turning it into a chair.
The stump height for this idea depends on how high you want the back of the chair to be.

8 – Stump Chopping Block
Both useful and a little ironic, you can turn your stump into a chopping block, giving you a stable surface to split wood for a wood stove or fireplace.

The ideal height for a stump used as a chopping block is between twelve and sixteen inches.

9 – Caricatures of tall tree stump

Create striking images when you have a life-size or larger-than-life caricature carved into your stump, overlooking your garden. If you ever move, cut the stump at ground level and take your masterpiece with you.

The stump height for this project depends on how tall you want the caricature.
10 – Let your stump decay
If you enjoy watching the process of decay and the diverse flora and fauna it attracts, your stump will be the gift that keeps on giving. You can start or speed up the decomposition process by drilling wide holes deep into the stump, filling them with water and a high-nutrient fertilizer.

In some cases, it may not be in your best interest to keep your stump after tree removal. Take these scenarios, for example:

• If the tree’s roots cracked your driveway, you may want to remove the stump to ensure root death.
• If your tree is removed due to serious vascular diseases such as oak wilt or anthracnose, keeping the stump can help spread and perpetuate the disease in nearby trees.
• If your tree suffered catastrophic damage from a boring insect infestation, stump removal may be necessary to prevent subsequent tree infestations.

If you decide to manually remove your stump, read How to Remove a Stump Without a Grinder.