How To Hollow Out A Tree Stump

If you have an old tree stump in your garden, you might be wondering how to hollow out a tree stump. This simple DIY project can turn an eyesore into a charming planter, a unique seat, or a natural fairy garden. It’s a rewarding way to repurpose what’s left of a tree and add character to your outdoor space.

This guide will walk you through the process from start to finish. We’ll cover the tools you need, safety tips, and the step-by-step methods. You’ll learn how to create a beautiful hollowed stump that lasts for years.

Hollowing out a stump is a physical job, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. The core idea is to remove the inner wood while leaving a solid outer shell. The method you choose depends on your tools, the stump’s size, and your final vision for it.

First, you need to assess your stump. Is it freshly cut or old and dry? Fresh wood is softer but heavier. Old, seasoned wood is harder but often lighter. Both can be hollowed out successfully with the right approach.

Why Hollow Out a Stump?

Before you start, it’s good to know why this effort is worth it. A hollowed stump has many uses in the garden.

A Natural Planter: It’s perfect for flowers, succulents, or herbs. The decaying wood inside can even provide nutrients.
A Garden Seat: A larger stump can become a rustic stool or a small table base.
Wildlife Feature: You can create a home for insects, which in turn attracts birds.
Decorative Feature: Use it as a base for a potted plant, a sculpture, or a lantern.
Removing Rot: Hollowing out a rotting center can sometimes preserve the outer shell longer.

Essential Tools and Safety Gear

Gathering the right tools before you begin is crucial. You don’t need every tool listed; pick based on your chosen method.

For Cutting: Chainsaw, hand saw, reciprocating saw (Sawzall), or a chisel and mallet.
For Drilling: A powerful drill with large paddle bits (1-inch or larger) and a spade bit.
For Removal: Hammer, chisel, pry bar, and a sturdy shovel or mattock.
For Finishing: Wire brush, sandpaper (coarse grit), and a wood sealant (optional).

Safety is non-negotiable. Always wear:

Safety glasses or goggles
Heavy-duty work gloves
Hearing protection (especially with power tools)
Steel-toe boots
Long pants and sleeves

Assessing Your Tree Stump

Take a close look at your stump. Check for any nails, screws, or rocks embedded in it. These can damage your tools and be dangerous. Probe the wood with a screwdriver to see if it’s soft from rot or still hard.

Decide how deep and wide you want the hollow. A good rule is to leave at least 3 inches of wood around the sides and bottom for strength. Mark your desired depth on the outside of the stump with a pencil or chalk.

Method 1: The Drilling and Chiseling Technique

This is the most accessible method for most DIYers. It requires a drill and some basic hand tools. It’s effective for stumps up to about 2 feet in diameter.

Drill Perimeter Holes: Using your largest drill bit, drill a series of holes close together around the inside edge of your marked area. Drill as deep as you want your hollow to be. This creates a perforated outline.
Drill Interior Holes: Fill the entire area inside the perimeter with more holes. The more holes you drill, the easier the next step will be. You’re basically turning the core into a block of swiss cheese.
Break and Remove the Core: Use a hammer and chisel or a pry bar to break apart the wood between the holes. Start at the edges and work inward. You can also use a reciprocating saw with a long, coarse wood-cutting blade to cut through the remaining webs of wood.
Clean Out the Debris: Once the bulk is broken up, use your shovel, a hand trowel, or even a garden hoe to scoop out all the loose wood chips and chunks.

Method 2: Using a Chainsaw

For larger stumps or faster work, a chainsaw is very effective. This method requires more skill and extreme caution. If you’re not comfortable with a chainsaw, use Method 1.

Make Cross-Cuts: With your chainsaw, make a series of parallel cuts across the grain inside your marked area. Cut to your desired depth. Space the cuts about 1-2 inches apart.
Make Perpendicular Cuts: Turn 90 degrees and make another series of cuts perpendicular to the first set. This will create a grid pattern, chopping the core into small cubes.
Remove the Cubes: Use your chainsaw tip (carefully) or a pry bar to pop out the wooden cubes. The chainsaw can also be used to undercut and smooth the sides once the bulk is removed.
Important Chainsaw Tip: Always be aware of the tip of the saw to avoid kickback. Never cut with the top quarter of the bar. Let the saw do the work; don’t force it.

Dealing with Stump Grindings and Waste

You’ll generate a lot of wood waste. This material is great for garden paths, as a carbon-rich addition to your compost pile, or as mulch around trees and shrubs. Avoid using fresh hardwood chips directly in flower beds as they can temporarily tie up nitrogen.

If you have to much, check with your local yard waste recycling facility. Many accept clean wood chips. It’s a better option than sending it to the landfill.

Shaping and Smoothing the Interior

After the main hollowing, the inside will be rough. Smoothing it makes it look finished and prevents splinters.

Use a sharp chisel or a gouge to hand-carve any major uneven spots.
A heavy-duty wire brush attached to a drill can quickly scrub away loose fibers and smooth the surface.
For final smoothing, use coarse-grit sandpaper (like 60- or 80-grit). You can wrap it around a block of wood. Sand in the direction of the grain.
Remove all dust and debris with a stiff brush or a vacuum.

Treating and Sealing Your Hollowed Stump

To make your creation last, especially if it will hold soil or water, a sealant is a smart idea. This step slows down decomposition and protects the wood.

For a natural look, use a clear, exterior-grade wood sealant or a penetrating wood stabilizer. Apply it generously to all interior surfaces, especially the end grain at the bottom. Let it dry completely according to the product’s instructions. You may need two or three coats.

If you’re using the stump as a planter, ensure you create drainage. Drill several 1/2-inch to 1-inch holes through the bottom of the hollow. This prevents water from pooling and causing rot too quickly.

Creative Ideas for Your Hollowed Stump

Now for the fun part—what to do with your new garden feature!

Planter: Add a layer of gravel for drainage, then fill with potting mix. Plant with seasonal annuals, hardy perennials like sedum, or even strawberries.
Water Feature: Line the hollow with a waterproof container or pond liner. Add a small solar-powered fountain pump for a bubbling bird bath.
Fairy or Gnome Garden: Create a miniature landscape with tiny plants, pebble paths, and small decorations.
Fire Bowl: For a very deep, wide stump, you can line the top with a metal fire bowl insert for a cozy patio fire pit. Extreme caution is required here, and local fire ordinances must be checked.
Storage: Add a weatherproof lid to create hidden outdoor storage for small garden tools or toys.

Common Problems and Solutions

You might encounter a few hiccups along the way. Here’s how to handle them.

Dealing with a Rotting Stump

A soft, rotting stump is easier to hollow but less stable. Remove all the soft, punky wood until you reach firm material. You may need to apply a wood hardener product to strengthen the remaining shell before sealing it.

Managing Ants or Other Insects

Old stumps often host insects. If you find a colony, you can pour boiling water into the nest (for ants) or use an organic insecticide labeled for garden use. Do this before you start hollowing, and let the area settle.

When the Stump is Too Hard

Very hard, seasoned wood can blunt tools. Ensure your chainsaw chain and drill bits are sharp. Sometimes, soaking the area you plan to cut with water for a day can slightly soften it. Patience and sharp tools are your best friends here.

Long-Term Maintenance Tips

A hollowed stump will eventually decay, but you can extend its life significantly.

Reapply a wood sealant every 1-2 years, especially if it’s in a sunny or wet location.
If used as a planter, avoid overwatering. Let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
Check periodically for new insect infestations and treat them early.
In winter, if you live in a cold climate, moisture freezing inside can cause cracks. A waterproof cover during snowy months can help.

FAQ Section

How long does it take to hollow out a tree stump?
It depends on the size and method. A small stump (12 inches) might take an afternoon with a drill and chisel. A large stump with a chainsaw could take a full day.

What is the easiest way to hollow out a stump?
For beginners, the drilling and chiseling method is safest and requires the least specialized tool skills. A powerful drill is the key tool.

Can you hollow out a stump without a chainsaw?
Absolutely. A drill, a hammer, a chisel, and a reciprocating saw can do the job perfectly well. It just requires a bit more time and elbow grease.

How do you hollow out a tree stump to make it rot faster?
To speed up decomposition, hollow it out to expose more surface area, keep it moist, and add nitrogen-rich material (like compost or fertilizer) inside. This encourages fungi and bacteria.

What do you put in a hollowed out tree stump?
Soil for plants, water for a bird bath, decorative stones, or even a bucket to hold drinks on ice. Your imagination is the limit.

Is it better to grind or hollow a stump?
Grinding removes the entire stump below grade. Hollowing repurposes it above grade. If you want a garden feature, hollow it. If you want the area completely clear, grind it.

Hollowing out a tree stump is a practical and creative garden project. With some effort and the right steps, you can eliminate an eyesore and gain a unique piece of garden art. Remember to work safely, be patient with the process, and have fun designing its new purpose. Your garden will thank you for the added charm and character.