Using Tree Stumps As Planters

Okay, you’ve probably gotten stuck in the landscape with the odd tree stump at some point. Maybe you’re like the majority and just choose to get rid of the stumps. Why not use them to your advantage instead? A tree stump planter for flowers could be just the solution. Using Tree Stumps as Planters Creating planters out of tree stumps is not only a great way to dress up those eyesore, but it has other benefits as well. For example, as the wood rots, it helps provide extra nutrients to plants. Plus, the more you water, the faster your stump will deteriorate. You also have many options when it comes to planting and designing your tree stump container.

While I find that annual flowers are the easiest to plant, there are many other types to choose from based on your needs and personal preference. However, keep growing conditions in mind – full sun, shade, etc. If you want more bang for your buck, look for drought-tolerant plants, especially in sunny areas, like succulents.

How to Make a Stump Planter As mentioned earlier, you can design your stump planter in a variety of ways. A hollow stump planter is the most common method where you can simply plant directly into the stump itself. To do this you need to gouge it out with a sharp instrument like an ax or pickaxe. For those of you skilled enough, using a chainsaw may be an option. If the stump has been there for some time, it may already be soft in the middle, so the job should be easier. Leave about 5 to 8 cm around the perimeter unless you prefer a small planting hole. Again, whatever works for you is fine here. While it’s not necessary to have drainage holes, it will certainly help the stump last longer and prevent potential root rot problems later if the plants become overly saturated. Putting a layer of gravel in the tree stump hollow before planting can also help. After you have a satisfactory planting hole, you can add some compost or potting soil and start filling your stump with plants. You can even place a container in the hollowed out stump instead and just place your plants inside. You can plant seedlings or nursery plants, or even sow your seeds directly into the stump planter in spring. You can plant a variety of bulbs and other plants around it for added interest.