Here is what I did with an old oak log. Thank goodness it was already hollow
so it was easy to do. They are also called "nurselogs" when you use a
decaying tree as a planter.
http://home.bellsouth.net/p/s/commun...iew=thumbs&ck=

Somewhere I have a picture of another upright popular tree that lightning
hit and had to be cut. It was hollow inside too and that was years ago,
still using with ferns and dusty miller every summer. If I can locate the
picture I will send it also. It has a large main trunk with a split limb
side. I stuck plants where there was an opening. It retains water very well
and have received many compliments on it. Whatever you decide to do with
yours just use your imagination and make it fun. Good luck!


"symplastless" wrote in message
...
Other than making a planter (dangerous chain saw work) you could drill
some holes and place N fertilizer in the holes. Add some water. The N
fertilizer will stimulate the decay fungi and speed up the breakdown
process. We do have stump grinders now. I guess you just would have to
be careful not to hit the rod with the stump grinder.

The N fertilizer has a bad side and that is that it can pollute ground
water.

The planter idea is great. We call it ecoart.

--
Sincerely,
John A. Keslick, Jr.
Consulting Arborist
http://home.ccil.org/~treeman
and www.treedictionary.com
Beware of so-called tree experts who do not understand tree biology.
Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding
us that we are not the boss.

"dashaddow" wrote in message
ups.com...
I have a poplar tree with a metal rod in it (for support when it was a
small tree). I cut it down, the stump is 7 feet tall. How can I cut
the rest of it down, with the metal in it. The diameter would probably
be 3 feet. Thank you. (Can't burn it; live in a city. ) Please
contact me if you have some creative ideas.