10 Ways To Hide The Eyesore Of A Tree Stump (Without Removing It)

When a tree comes down in a storm or dies, you're often left with a rather unsightly stump sticking out like a sore thumb in the middle of your yard. It's easy enough to cut off the larger portion and make use of the wood in your home or garden. But what about the part that's still embedded in the ground? Stump removal isn't ideal for everyone. However, if you leave the stump alone, it can be rather unsightly. Not to mention, unmanaged rot can attract unwanted pests. Luckily, there are ways you can hide the eyesore of a tree stump without removing it and manage the decay process.

Dressing up the area around the tree stump can remove potential dangers, like tripping hazards. If you're concerned about pests, cypress or cedar are the best types of mulch to use if you want to keep bugs away. Plus, it can actually improve your yard! If you want to attract beneficial wildlife, options like planting flowers in it or turning it into a bird bath are fantastic choices. On the other hand, if you want something decorative, you could turn it into a fairy house, a sculpture, or even a yard feature.

You can easily hide the eyesore of an old tree stump with this raised garden bed idea. A raised garden is a great way to add value to your yard while resolving many of the downsides of keeping a tree stump around. The box creates a barrier for pests, especially if you use the right kind of wood, like cedar. Plus, it will completely conceal the tree stump, so no one will even know it was there. With the stump covered in soil, it breaks down naturally, enriching the soil with organic matter for your plants. 

Tree stump carving is an art that has been around for a long time. If you're handy and want to test out your woodworking skills, it is possible for you to carve your own tree stump sculpture. But woodworking is not a simple task, so for those who aren't so ambitious, you could commission a sculpture from a local artist. However, commissioning a sculpture can get pricey fast, especially if it is a large project, so this project would likely not help you save any money compared to removal.

If you have a tree stump that is uniquely interesting, or just one that has a lot of decay, this option may be for you. You can repurpose a tree stump into a succulent garden that will thrive off the organic material. Start by cleaning out any rotted areas of the stump. This works best for stumps that have a lot of nooks and crannies, or a hollowed-out center. Fill the hollow areas with a soil mix for succulents and add your favorites!

Depending on the location of your tree stump, you may benefit from turning it into a functional yard feature. You can make tree stump seating by cutting the stump into the shape of a chair. You can carve designs into the backing and decorate the area with mulch, stones, or plants. Finish with a varnish or stain to prevent pests. Alternatively, you can use the stump as a base for a bench, which is a great choice if you want more social seating.

This brilliant HGTV DIY repurposes an old tree stump into an adorable planter. Start by hollowing out the center of the stump so you have enough room for the roots of your chosen plants. If the stump is rotted, you can still use it by clearing out as much debris as you can and lining it with cement. When the planter is ready, you can fill it with any flowers or climbing plants you want to create coverage for the stump or offer a stunning display of blossoms.

You can use a tree stump as the centerpiece in a Zen rock garden. Plus, you can pair this project with other options like a planter, succulent garden, or bird bath. Fill the area around the stump with your favorite landscaping rocks and select plants or even moss to fill the garden with natural elements. You can also add larger rock features or pathways to make it an interactive element in your yard. The rocks prevent pests from taking over the stump while adding an enchanting atmosphere to what was once an eyesore in your yard.

Instead of going through all the work to hollow out the tree stump, you can turn it into a plant stand instead. To make sure you still address the concern of a yard hazard and pest control, it's best to add a garden liner and mulch or add garden rocks around the stump. You can add whatever flowers you want and any other cute garden features to dress up the stump. Choose a large planter like a wine barrel, or something that fits comfortably on the top of your stump. Fill the planter with flowers and enjoy!

Did you know birds like to take their baths closer to the ground? It mimics a more natural atmosphere that allows birds to keep an eye out for predators and find cover in nearby low-hanging foliage. Of course, the height of a tree stump can vary, but you can always cut it down to size depending on the preferences of your local wildlife. You can either hollow out the center of the stump and fill it with water or use it as a stand for a bird bath tray.

This whimsical idea to transform your old tree stump into a charming yard feature adds personality to your yard while making the stump work in your favor. All you need to do is add small elements to the tree to make it look like a fairy or gnome home. Some people like to add little doors and a roof to the trunk to make it look like a house, while others build a house-like structure on top of the stump. If you are still concerned about pests, you can add beneficial plants, mulch, or stones around the stump to protect the area.

A tree stump water feature is a fun and creative way to repurpose your old tree stump without removing it. Start by removing any dead or rotting wood from the stump. You can use wood oil or sealant to prevent the wood from rotting when you add the water. Then, install tubing and a water pump to create the desired effect. Fill with water and enjoy your new natural fountain. Birds may also find this to be an attractive feature, as they prefer running water to stagnant water.