Wooden stump planters can be fun to do‚ and can turn an ordinary piece of nature into a colorful focal point in the yard․ These wooden stump planters will add some character to your garden‚ and are an environmentally-friendly way to promote your favorite plants․ From the strong and sturdy stump of what was once a tree's main life source‚ you can create a planter filled with blooming flowers or green foliage․ Building a wooden stump planter isn't just a fun‚ easy project for gardeners․ It's a way to get in close contact with nature while being eco-friendly‚ making something of use out of a discard․
The first step of making a proper wooden stump planter is the choice of wood itself․ Although several people think that all the woods are suitable for making the planters‚ hardwood stumps of oak‚ maple‚ and cedar are considered more durable and attractive than the ordinary wood․ Wood from the trees is very durable and will stand up over time to the elements․ The wood is naturally resistant to decay and insects due to oils in the wood․ If you can find a stump that is partially hollowed out‚ it may save time and energy trying to dig out the center to plant on․ However‚ sometimes a sturdy stump with an appealing shape can be used to create a planter with good end results․ Oftentimes‚ the wood grain can lend the planter itself character that is a natural extension of the wood in its original form․ Don't shy away from unusual shapes or textures․
Chosing a Wooden Stump
Once you've selected a suitable wooden stump‚ the tools you will need to make a stump planter are a chainsaw (or a handsaw‚ if you do not have a chainsaw)‚ a chisel to hollow out the inside of the stump‚ and a drill to make drainage holes at the bottom of the stump to prevent standing water․ You should also have safety equipment like goggles and gloves․ If you want to get a bit more advanced‚ you can add an electric sander to smooth out the rough edges of the wood and a wood burner for wood-burning designs onto the surface of the wood․ If you have prepared the tools and supplies you need‚ you should find the process goes much more smoothly and your vision is realized․
Now the fun really begins! If you are working with the stump with bark still on it‚ you will want to remove the bark to avoid insects and mold․ After the bark has been removed‚ the base is level‚ and the top is sawed straight across‚ a deep cavity in the stump is made․ This cavity is where the soil and plants will be placed․ The size of the cavity varies according to what type of plant is being used․ Herbs can grow in shallower containers‚ but flowers or small bushes usually require a deeper reservoir․ Use your handsaw and chisel to scrape the inside of the planter until it is smooth․ Be sure to clean the base of the planter and drill a few holes in the bottom so that your plants have adequate drainage․
Decorating
When it comes to decorating and planting your wooden stump planter‚ the only limit is your imagination․ You can paint it a bright color that stands out against the green in your garden or you can leave it as is and utilize the natural wood appearance․ Pick a plant for your stump․ Succulents and small herbs can give your stump a charming look․ You can also use floral annuals to give your stump a burst of color․ You can arrange your plants‚ so the larger plants fill in the middle․ You can decorate further with moss or stones placed by the bottom to create a little landscape․ Each one of these garden designs is an expression of yourself by putting your creativity into the garden․
Maintaining
When the wooden stump planter is finished‚ it needs to be cared for to maintain its quality and integrity․ In some cases‚ the wood planters rot or become infested with insects because of moisture buildup․ Using natural wood preservers every few years will help prolong the life of the stump․ Watering plants when necessary‚ and removing built up water from the drainage holes is advisable to prevent an accelerated demise which will spoil the natural finish․ Just remember to prune the plants‚ and you'll have a healthy planter that won't grow out of control‚ allowing your wooden stump planter to thrive for years to come with just a bit of maintenance!
In conclusion‚ wooden stump planters are a creative way to reconstruct an otherwise dead tree stump into an environmentally friendly decoration․ In association with choosing good wood‚ using the right tools‚ preparing the tree stump properly‚ and using creativity‚ a once useless tree stump can become a plant exhibit․ Not only will you enjoy a fabulous planter that will connect you with nature‚ you will leave a part of yourself in your yard․ Every time you see your stump planter or take care of the plants‚ you will know you created something you created with your own two hands․ If you enjoyed this post‚ grab your supplies and let your imagination run wild with some wooden stump planters․
