Unsightly Stump Woes? 3 Possible Options To Deal With Your Ugly Tree Stump
When a tree must be removed, the trunk is often cut off several inches above ground level. Then the trunk and limbs are cut up and either hauled away or left for the homeowner to use as firewood. Limbs that are too small for use as firewood are usually run through a wood chipper which turns them into mulch or sawdust. In the space of just a few hours, a stately tree can be dealt with and removed, but often the stump will remain. If you are still staring at the unsightly leftover stump days, weeks, or months after the tree was removed, here are three easy ways to deal with it.
Camouflage it while nature takes its course
If the tree stump is in an area of the lawn that is not needed for other uses, homeowners may want to consider camouflaging it and allowing it to naturally decompose over the next several years. A good way to do this is to use the stump as the basis for a type of gardening called hugelkultur. This gardening relies on wood covered by layers of soil with plants growing on the surface. When covered with a mound of soil for this purpose, the wood of the tree stump will more rapidly decompose and do away with the stump.
Use it to make a seat
If the tree stump is in a part of the lawn that gets a lot of use and the surface is amenable, you may want to find a way to put it to use. If the stump is flat and at a comfortable height, consider tacking on a smooth board to turn it into a comfy seat. Family members can then use it as a place to drink an early morning cup of coffee, stargaze at night, or simply rest when doing yard work or gardening chores.
Make a flower pot
If the tree was hollow when it was removed, the leftover stump may also be hollow or have a depression in it that would lend itself to serving as a flower pot for a blooming or vining plant. When considering this option, be sure to take the species of both the tree and the plant into consideration to determine if the tree will have a negative effect on the growth of the plant. If it does, either choose another type of plant or use an impermeable pot inside the stump to protect the plant from coming into contact with the tree.
Sometimes, getting rid of a leftover tree stump is a better choice than finding ways to camouflage it or turn it into something else. A reputable stump grinding service can quickly and easily remove the stumps of most trees and help homeowners restore their lawns to beauty.