On Tue, 19 Jun 2012 19:24:16 -0700, "David E. Ross"
wrote:

On 6/19/12 7:04 PM, Higgs Boson wrote:
On Jun 19, 1:52 am, Jason Burke
wrote:
Hi. Converting a tree stump into a planter is one of the best way to
decorate your garden. It's beneficial also, because the new plants will
get all sorts of nutrition from the dead tree. Nowadays, more & more
people are using dead tree stump as planters. By this, we can reuse the
dead tree, can decorate our garden & grow more plants.

--
Jason Burke

But isn't it challenging to hollow out the stump? Or am I not getting
it...?

HB


Many years ago, my neighbor planted a row Italian cypress (a southern
California garden cliche) too close together along the property line
between his front lawn and mine. When they grew up, every breeze caused
them to batter each other, leaving bald vertical bands where they faced
each other.

About 10 years ago, he had alternating trees removed, cutting them down
but not grinding out the stumps. The remaining cypresses recovered and
filled in where they had become bare.

Although they are regularly wet by his and my lawn sprinklers, the
stumps of the removed trees are still too hard for anyone to dig out a
hollow for use as a planter.

Cyprus is naturally rot resistant and can last a lifetime, but can
still be hollowed quite easily. I've hollowed hardwood stumps (cedar)
to use as a planter many times; drill a series of holes with as large
a drill bit as you can handle (1/2" dia. works well), then finish with
a wood chisel... it's not necessary to go more than 6"-8" deep for
planter... stay a good 3' from the perimeter or your stump planter
won't last but a few years before it rots through... and even then
placing a plastic plant nursery pot with it's bottom cut out in the
hollow works very well. Don't even need to hollow the stump, just
place a planter atop. With soft woods the stump will rot and collapse
in five years. Regardless, whether directly in the stump or in a pot,
whatever is planted needs watering and constant moisture will
accelerate the stump rotting. If a stump is less than 12" in diameter
it really doesn't pay to hollow it, just place a planter atop.
http://i47.tinypic.com/2338y.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/2eoaa1s.jpg