Leaving a tree stump is a practical alternative to the expense and effort of complete removal. Homeowners can transform the remaining wood into a functional feature or blend it seamlessly into the garden’s design. The chosen approach depends on the stump’s location, size, and desired long-term outcome, ranging from permanent repurposing to accelerated natural decay.
Repurposing the Stump for Practical Use
Transforming a stump into a permanent, functional object creates a unique focal point. A level stump’s top surface can be sanded smooth and sealed to serve as an unconventional side table or outdoor pedestal. Before applying a protective finish, such as marine-grade polyurethane or spar urethane, the wood must be dry and free of debris.
Utilizing the stump’s mass as a base for decorative elements is another functional approach. Larger stumps can support a bird bath bowl, a decorative sculpture, or a substantial lantern, provided the weight is distributed evenly. Alternatively, the interior can be carefully hollowed out to create a rustic container garden. This involves removing the inner, decaying wood to form a basin, which is then filled with potting soil for planting annual flowers or succulents.
Creating a planter within the stump cavity allows the wood to act as the permanent vessel. When planting, ensure the base has one or two drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which accelerates rot and harms plants. Sealing the interior walls with a waterproof coating before adding soil can also extend the container’s lifespan.
Integrating Stumps into Garden Design
Aesthetic integration relies on camouflage and intentional landscaping to visually eliminate the stump without altering its structure. One method involves encouraging the growth of natural elements like moss and lichen on the surface, lending an aged, woodland appearance. In damp, shady conditions, these organisms naturally colonize the wood, softening its edges and blending it with the environment.
Introducing creeping ground covers provides a faster, controlled method of concealment by draping foliage over the exposed wood. Excellent choices include Vinca minor (periwinkle), Ajuga (bugleweed), or Creeping Jenny, as they spread horizontally and cascade down the sides. These low-growing plants thrive in the partial shade often found near stumps and create a dense, living blanket.
Strategic placement of other landscape elements helps visually break up the stump’s mass. Arranging decorative stones, small ornamental grasses, or compact shrubs around the base draws the eye away from the wood structure. Building a small raised border of rocks or bricks around the stump and filling it with soil allows for more ambitious planting, creating a small, tiered garden bed. For an artistic approach, the stump can be stained or painted with outdoor-grade finishes to resemble a decorative pedestal or faux stone.
Covering Methods for Natural Decomposition
A long-term strategy involves covering the stump to accelerate its natural decay process while keeping it out of sight. Wood naturally contains a high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, which slows decomposition. This process can be sped up by introducing high-nitrogen materials. To initiate this, several deep holes, approximately 8 to 10 inches deep, should be drilled into the top surface to allow materials to penetrate the core.
The drilled holes should be filled with high-nitrogen sources. These include composted manure, blood meal, or commercial stump-rot products containing potassium nitrate or urea. The nitrogen feeds the fungi and bacteria that break down lignin and cellulose, the structural components of wood. Maintaining consistent moisture is important, as these microbes require a damp environment to thrive.
After adding the nitrogen source and thoroughly watering, the entire structure should be covered with a thick layer of organic mulch (wood chips or leaf litter) or a plastic tarp. This covering helps insulate the stump, retain moisture, and increase the temperature. This creates a warm, dark, and humid environment ideal for microbial activity. This method conceals the stump while promoting its gradual breakdown into nutrient-rich organic matter, a process that takes six months to a couple of years depending on the wood type and size.