Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
Can You Preserve a Tree Stump?
Can You Preserve a Tree Stump?. There is often the need to remove unwanted trees from the landscape. Unless the trees are removed entirely from roots, the process leaves behind unsightly stumps. There are many options regarding these stumps. The stumps can be removed entirely by pulling from the roots or grinding below the soil line, or they can be...
There is often the need to remove unwanted trees from the landscape. Unless the trees are removed entirely from roots, the process leaves behind unsightly stumps. There are many options regarding these stumps. The stumps can be removed entirely by pulling from the roots or grinding below the soil line, or they can be preserved as permanent features in the garden.
Preservation Solution
Stumps that are intended as permanent features in the garden need to be preserved to delay the process of decomposition that will occur more rapidly in untreated wood. The New Mexico State University Extension site recommends the use of wood-penetrating preservative on the stump. Another preservation method is the use of weather-resistant polyurethane, as suggested by Kristen Hampshire in "John Deere 52 Backyard Landscaping Projects."
Method
The recommended method for preserving the tree stump is to treat all the above-ground portions of the tree with the selected preservative or polyurethane. Use a brush to coat the cut top surface of the stump evenly. Also coat the bark all the way down to the soil line, making sure the material gets into the crevices. Though the roots will eventually rot since they are in the ground, the entire process will take up to a few years.
Using the Stump in the Natural Form
The tree stump may be used in its natural state as a raised planter for potted plants. Simply cut the stump to the desired height and coat with the preservation solution. The raised area can also be used as a focal point in the garden by arranging potted plants around the stump. This is an easier alternative to removing the entire stump and replanting the site with new plants.
Using Hollowed Stumps
Hollowed-out tree trunks are ideal sites for planting new plants. As the stump decomposes gradually, it radiates heat that creates a naturally fertile and moist growing environment for plants. The task of hollowing out the stump is laborious, and it is best to request the tree removal service to do this for you when it is cutting down the tree. Coat the outer surface with the preserving material, and fill in the center with good potting soil. Place desired plants in the soil.
