14 Creative Tree Stump Ideas for Backyard Gardens

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.

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Creative Uses for Tree Stumps

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.

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.

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.

The gnomes are making good use of it.

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

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

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.

Birdhouse Posts

Many branches calls for many birdhouses!

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.

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

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

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

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

Carved Tree Stump

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!

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.

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

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~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛