The Best Tree Stump Ideas for Decorating and Repurposing

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Typically seen as the stubborn leftovers of a yard renovation, tree stumps get a bad rap for being difficult to remove, and often remain an eyesore and a painful reminder of what is yet to be finished.

Instead of removing your old stumps, put them to work for you!

By re-purposing old and new stumps, you can create visual interest and uniqueness to your outdoor spaces that can range from functional to avant-garde.

Whether you’re a seasoned carpenter, or a gardening newbie, there’s sure to be something on this list that sparks the creative in you.

Lending library / Food pantry

If your stump happens to be near your road, take full advantage of your luck and transform it into a lending library or giving pantry!

By hollowing out the core, adding a door, roof and even a solar powered light, this homeowner not only improved his front yard, but made an impact on his local community. Get inspired by visiting The Little Free Library.

Bird bath

With a little skill and carving technique, you can take an old stump and transform it into a bird oasis.

The birds will be singing your praises as you give them a place to rest while simultaneously adding a beautiful and unique element to your garden.

Seating area

Can’t quite decide on seating for your new firepit? Sometimes, simple is better.

Cut up an old tree into equally sized heights (or maybe a few shorter ones for the kiddos in your family) and you’ve got rustic, customized seating just in time for s’more night.

Fairy village

Maybe you have a cluster of stumps that cause heavy sighs every time you catch a glimpse out the window.

With a little creativity and whimsy, you can turn boring into fantasy by creating a fairy or gnome inspired village!

By adding small doors, thatched roofs, and small paved walkways, you can use the natural placement of the trees you already have to create something magical.

Carve a face

Using the natural lines and curvature your stump already has, try your hand at carving a face or sign into your stump.

Not a carver by trade? You can purchase kits with faces than can screw into your stump for a similar effect.

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Create an ornament

Have a sentimental tree that needed to be cut down? Or maybe you need an inexpensive gift idea for family and friends.

By thinly cutting slices off a branch or small stump, you can easily create ornaments or cherished gifts for loved ones.

Planter

Probably one of the most popular uses for an old tree stump is an attractive planter! This works especially well if your stump has a hollow center.

If not, after hollowing be sure to drill some holes for water drainage. Then, simply fill with potting soil and plant your favorites!

A little paint goes a long way!

When in doubt, get the kids involved!

A little paint and quality time can turn a rotting log into a lasting memory! Use bright, fun colors, patterns and designs like these and you’ll have a masterpiece in no time.

Lighted path

Let nature be your guide! By using slices of an old tree stump, you can insert solar lights or votives for a beautifully lit path through the garden.

Table and chairs

Take a load off in these truly inspiring log table and chairs. Old stumps turned into a work of art, these crafted chairs and table would be sure to elevate any backyard.

Mailbox

Another great idea for the stump placed near your road. Making functional use of what used to be an eyesore, this homeowner redeemed their stump by transforming it into a mailbox.

A natural waterfall

When trees grow too close to homes, they sometimes need to be cut down. Try re-purposing them into a peaceful waterfall or fountain.

Adding a layer of polyurethane will help protect your stumps from water damage for years to come.

Secret doors

Disneyland isn’t the only place that can have secret little doors to magical places.

By adding a small door at the foot of your stump, passerby’s will be filled with wonder at who might live in your magical stump.

You can dress up your door even more by adding accessories such as a fence, mailbox or chimney for added effect.

Tree house

Who says you need an actual tree for a tree-house?

Tree stumps are by nature typically very sturdy, which is what you need for a good foundation on which to build your kid’s dream treehouse!

Let their imaginations run wild with a whimsical playhouse like no other.

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What used to be an eyesore, can become a star attraction in your outdoor space. Make re-purposing your next DIY project and save yourself the hassle of digging up that old stump by making it into something truly remarkable.

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