Changed my mind about stump grinding after a job in Marietta

Everyone says to always grind stumps down deep, but I had a job last spring in Marietta where the homeowner wanted me to leave 6 inches above grade. He planted flowers right on top and it actually looked better than any flush ground stump I've done. Has anyone else tried leaving stumps a bit taller for planting?

4 comments

4 Comments

parker_palmer4416d ago

Wait, isn't that basically making a planter out of the stump itself? I had a job where the guy wanted a flat spot left to put a bird bath on, and I thought he was nuts until I saw it finished.

nancyn6911d agoMost Upvoted

Yeah four years ago I made a planter out of a stump in my own backyard and somehow ended up with mushrooms growing out of my couch cushions a week later, still not sure how that happened. It actually worked great though, the ivy took over and covered up all my mistakes, which honestly is the story of most of my DIY projects. The stump is still there doing its thing while I'm over here killing store bought plants.

betty_kelly915d ago

Oh man, I totally get that! @parker_palmer44 I did the same thing with a stump in my own yard a few years back. I hollowed out the center a bit and left the outer ring so it looks like a big natural pot. I put a mix of succulents and some trailing ivy in there and it actually looks awesome now. The stump holds the soil in place and keeps the moisture in too, so I barely have to water it. Plus it saved me from having to dig out the whole thing which would've been a huge pain. Let me know if you end up trying it, it's a solid way to make use of the stump instead of fighting it.

the_linda11d ago

Did the same thing with an old oak stump and it turned into the best planter on my street.