Does not it sound nice to harmonize your lovely flowers with the elements derived from nature? Transforming natural elements into landscape ornaments is becoming a popular concept. Tree stumps gardens may do look like unnecessary elements yet they can actually create the effect of a magical garden. Turning tree stumps into planters is just one of the fascinating DIY planter ideas that we like to share. And in the end, the practicality of making a tree stump planter as well as the lovely look of the outcome will make you think that: Getting rid of tree stumps was a mistake.
Making use of a stump as a planter instead of simply removing it should be considered not only for the magical look but also could be beneficial for the plants for a few main reasons. For instance, as the wood decays, the stump helps the nourishing of plants by providing additional nutrients. Also, the more you water, the quicker your stump will deteriorate.
How to make a Tree Sump Planter?
The embraced method to create a charming planter from a tree stump is to hollow the stump. It is better to divide the process into 4 steps:
#Hollow out the stump…
Before starting hollowing, it is a good idea to mark the borders by using a pen. Then the main process starts with leaving a few centimeters from the edge(6-7). Then it is followed by creating many holes and joining them into each other. This step could take a little bit of time and effort. Using a drill is quite embraced and other alternative sharp instruments could be a mattock or an ax. Hollowing by a mattock is also preferred even though it does take some effort and time. Chainsaw is likely to be the most practical option yet it is not quite common to already have one for most people.
There is another fact to underline: Having additional drainage holes will help the stump be more long-lasting and useful for preventing probable root rot issues in case of plants become overly saturated over time. If the tree stump is still intact, carve out a basin at least a few centimeters deep and fill it with high-quality potting soil. If the bottom of your new “pot” holds water, drilling a couple of new holes in the side of the trunk helps to boost drainage.
Another common method to deal with such issues is to add a layer of gravel inside the stump hollow before planting. It works well since gravel is great for its free-draining quality.
#Clean out the shavings…
The process continues with cleaning out the shaved wood particles from the hole. Using a Forstner bit is advisable through experience in this step.
#Flatten the surface and clean up the edges…
Following the cleaning out, flattening the surface of the hole and cleaning up the edges are optional, however help you have a better smooth surface.
#Fill the stump with your favorite plants…
Mixing some compost in potting soil in the stump filling it with a variety of plants is the last step. The ideal is around 30 percent compost and 70 percent potting soil according to most botanists. Feel free to plant seedling or nursery plants or even sow your seeds directly.
Which plants match best with a tree stump planter?
Tree stump planters most commonly match with annual flowers and drought-tolerant plants such as succulents even though they are suitable for a variety of plants. Whatever plant you like to choose, a tree stump planter will ultimately add an eye-catching look to your garden. Feel free to get inspired by ideas that we share or choose to create your own planter using creativity up to your taste.
