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25 Creative Tree Stump Ideas for Backyard Gardens

Published on June 2, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

This post contains affiliate links.
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What can you do with a large tree stump after removing an old tree? Have a look at these creative ideas for converting tree stumps into garden planters, play places, garden art, birdfeeders, and more.

You can also create a dead wood fence or hedgerow to benefit the local ecosystem.

Tree stump in garden decorated with garden art.

Creative Uses for Tree Stumps

Examples of tree stumps used decoratively in the garden.

It can be really upsetting to lose a big, beautiful old tree in the garden. After years of glorious shade from the hot summer sun, suddenly we’re faced with full sun and big, old stump.

Not so many years ago it was frowned upon to keep tree stumps—as if the job was not complete until the whole thing was removed. They were considered eyesores in the era of pristine gardens.

But today we know better.

First, complete tree removal is very expensive. Paying for more than is necessary just doesn’t make sense.

Plus, slowly decaying trees provide important food and habitat for living things. Countless animals from birds to bugs to microbes will make use of the wood for years to come.

Saving the tree stump not only saves money but supports the local eco-system as well. That’s win-win.

So what to do?

You could leave the stump as-is in all its undecorated beauty but it’s also an opportunity to get creative.

My best advice is to work with what you have. Let the size and shape of the stump dictate what it could be. I’ve seen them turned into birdhouse or birdfeeder stations, fairy homes, dining tables, birdbaths, slides, and more.

Choose what suits the stump and your style.

Some people hire chainsaw artists to create one-of-a-kind carvings.

Others start with some repurposed garden art and go from there.

Have a look at the ideas below and see what inspires you.

Reasons to Keep Dead Wood in Your Garden

Dead and decaying wood is an important part of the circle of life.

If you can, consider keeping tree stumps and decaying branches in your yard.

  • Dead trees, stumps, and branch piles provide habitat, nesting spots, perches, and shelter for animals.
  • As it decays, wood enriches the soil thanks to micro-organisms, fungi, and detritivores (animals that feed on dead organic matter including plants).

Gnome Homes

This first one was built by the gardener to enchant her grandchildren. The multiple stumps are perfect for a multi-level gnome complex.

Tree stump fairy home in the garden.
Tree stump fairy house

If you want to buy a fairy garden door or windows, when you shop be sure to check the sizes. Some of them are intended for miniature gardens, others are gnome-size.

In the next photo the longest tree branches had to be removed but much of the tree is intact.

Tree stump with ivy vines and garden gnomes.
Tree stump house for seven dwarfs

The gnomes are making good use of it.

Small tree stumps turned into mini gnome homes in the garden.
Tree stump village

These smaller tree stumps are perfect for creating a little village.


Homemade toadstool garden art and gnome.

Related: DIY Garden Art Toadstools
Give the gnomes a some shade!


In this other garden, the tree stump was placed here to create a fairy garden scene below.

Fairy garden at base of old tree stump.
Tree stump fairy garden

Suitcase fairy garden

Related: How to Make a Fairy Garden in an Old Suitcase


Garden Art Holder

Old ornamental tree holding hanging garden art
This old ornamental tree is perfect for displaying garden art

Flower Planter Stand

This is a simple (and obvious) idea and looks really great. A helpful tip is to use a planter that is proportionate to the size of the stump.

Old tree stump used as a flower planter stand in a garden.
Tree stump with flowerpot

Birdhouse Posts

Tree stump with several colorful birdhouses.
Tree stumps with birdhouses

Many branches calls for many birdhouses!

Church-like birdhouse on a tree stump in a garden.
Tree stump with mini church

If you haven’t cut your old tree down yet (one that must be removed, of course), think about what stump height would work best.

Rustic birdhouse on a tree stump in a garden.
Tree stump with birdhouse

When it goes right, the tree stump will gradually decompose over many years, providing important animal food and habitat all along the way.

Birdhouse on a tree stump in a garden.
Treehouse with vines and birdhouse

This next one is multi-tasking, holding the birdhouse, anchoring the laundry drying line, and has a face!

Tree stump with face and birdhouse on top.
Tree stump with funny face

These tree faces were all the rage a few years ago. You can buy them here at Amazon.

Birch tree stumps with birdhouses on top
Birch tree stumps with birdhouses
Old wood stump with round birdhouse on top.
I like how the round birdhouse matches the stump siize.

Decorative birdhouses in the garden.

Related: 35 Creative Birdhouse Ideas For Your Garden


Carved Tree Stump

Carved tree stump featuring Dr. Susanna Carson
Carved tree stump featuring Dr. Susanna Carson (1868-1908)
Face carved in tree stump.
Carved tree stump made to look like old man’s face

Somebody did a beautiful job carving a face on the tree stump (above).

Carved tree stumps
Carved tree stumps
Tree stump with carvings.
Carved tree stump art
Carved tree stump man
Man carved into tree stump

Sign Post

Old wooden post displaying name signs for different parts of the world.
Wood post with city signs and distances listed

Plain Old Tree Stump

Removing big old trees can be dangerous and expensive and is best done by professionals. Here it appears they had the offending branches removed but kept the large trunk intact. Those flat surfaces are calling out for planters with trailing plants!

Tree stump in garden with fountain.
Tree stumps with vines

And finally, a decorative bird house on this big, old stump. It’s probably one of those tasks where they did what they could and eventually surrendered realizing grinding down that stump was just too big a job.

Tree stump used to hold garden art.
Large old tree stump with white birdhouse
Tree stump with birdcage
The birdcage fits perfectly on this tree stump

This last one appears to be a piece of driftwood used as a perfect flower pot holder.

Tree stump used as a flower pot stand.
Tree stump holding flowerpot

If you love creative garden ideas, be sure to sign up for the free newsletter here.

~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛

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Examples of tree stumps used decoratively in the garden.
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Melissa J. Will - Empress of DirtWelcome!
I’m Melissa J. Will a.k.a. the Empress of Dirt (Ontario, Canada).
Join me as I share creative + frugal home & garden ideas with a dash of humor.
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