Cleaning up a yard is often the bane of the homeowner. Storms knock branches and trees down in yards. Trees occasionally need to be trimmed to avoid power lines or avoid damage to homes and businesses. Sometimes, trees are no longer wanted. Homeowners and business owners alike may wonder what can be done with tree stumps or logs leftover from spring pruning or weather-related reasons. Worry not. Here are five creative uses for tree stumps that can not only help spruce up a yard but may add a little beauty and curb appeal to it.

 

Create a Flower Planter

Often the center of an old tree stump will be somewhat rotted or hollow in the middle. This makes for a wonderful planter for flowers, herbs, or succulent plants. Add a bit of potting soil or wood chips to the center of the hollowed area to retain a little moisture. Then create a stunning vertical or horizontal flora or fauna arrangement. Alternatively, take slices of the tree stump or log and cut them in half vertically. This will create a spectacular floating planter shelf for the interior or exterior of a garden shed or home.

 

Use a Log or Stump to Make a Patio Table

If a search for a rustic piece to jazz up a patio or indoor living area or bedroom is underway, look no further than a log or tree stump. The stump or log can be used in its natural state or can be treated and stained to your preferred coloring. For a smoother finish, be sure to sand the top and bottom of the stump or log to ensure a top-notch look. Also, add some color to the top of it by making it a mosaic.

Orchard Park Tree Five Creative Uses for Tree Stumps

Stumps making a path in the yard

 

Create a Garden Path in Your Yard

Logs and stumps that are sliced horizontally and treated to withstand the elements can create a beautiful path in a front or backyard. Use a single line of stump slices or slice up the whole stump or log and make a wide, single-layer pathway. In either case, a tree stump garden path is a unique landscaping idea to add to the curb appeal of a home.

 

Add a Natural Look With a Stump Bench or Bookshelf

What says rustic more than a natural wood bench or bookshelf? Bookshelves can be made with taller stumps, and benches can be made with slightly shorter ones. Leave the bark on or take it off and sand the outer stump. Split the stump in half and use one half on each side of the shelf or bench. Create notches and grooves on the inner half of the stump, and add some sturdy boards. With a bit of work, a beautiful, natural bookshelf or bench with emerge.

 

Make a One-of-a-Kind Wine Rack

Wine racks come in many shapes and sizes. But consumers may likely not find a large selection of wine racks made from tree stumps. Show off a striking wine rack by drilling cavernous holes to house wine bottles. For an added flair, carve out rounded grooves in an alternating pattern on the outside edges of the log or stump to create a balanced rack. Be sure to sand and stain the stump to eliminate undesired splinters.

The sky’s the limit when creating interesting pieces from a chopped up tree stump or log and there are many uses for tree stumps. You can create an outdoor fixture or table for a patio or fashioning a rustic home or business interior. As a result, tree stumps and logs are as versatile and useful as their tree origins. Just look around the house for ideas.

If you need ideas or any help with using tree stumps creatively, don’t hesitate to contact us at Orchard Park Tree Service. We’d be more than happy to help you get started.