So you finally had that large tree cut down out of the yard and now you’re left with an unsightly tree stump. You can add more to the already high cost of having the tree removed and hire a stump grinder , or you can save a few bucks and make a tree stump planter to beautify your landscape. The left-behind stump can be turned into the focal point of your landscape and the envy of your neighbors with these tips.
Grab a Mattock
The process is labor-intensive, but the results will be unique and long-lasting. Grab a mattock and begin chipping away at the center of the stump. Use the narrow, pointed end of the mattock, sharpening the pointed end and donning a pair of safety glasses before beginning.
As the hole in the stump begins to deepen and widen, switch to using the wider end of the mattock and continue to chip away towards the outer perimeter of the stump. Aim to create about an 8-inch hole with a 3-inch border edge.
Drainage Holes
After hollowing out the center planting hole, the new planter needs drainage holes to allow the planting medium to drain and flowers to flourish. Use a half-inch drill bit (or similar auger-style bit) to create four drainage holes in the sides of the stump. Use a drill bit long enough to penetrate through the stump side and into the planting hole. Create the drainage holes near the bottom of the planting hole, angling the bit slightly upward while drilling so the excess water will have a downward path to flow out of.
Fill the Stump
Place an inch of gravel or broken pottery in the bottom of the planting hole to promote water drainage, then fill the hole with a mix of potting soil and compost. Plant your choice of flowers in your new tree stump planter and admire your unique handiwork.
Mound potting soil in the center and plant flower-like impatient to create a mound of blooms, and don’t forget to plant some spillers along the outer edge and tuck in a few flowering plants around the base of the tree stump. Since the tree is no longer living, it will not compete for water and nutrients and the flowers will thrive.
