How to prepare your trees for November weather in Upstate New York

When it’s time to cut down your tree, you’ll want to think ahead and determine what to do with the stump. You could have it ground down or removed by the tree service, or you could preserve and repurpose it in your yard. Consider the following: • How tall of a stump do you want to keep? • If you are planning to landscape or hardscape, will the stump interfere with or complement your project? Here are five ways to creatively repurpose your tree stump: Plant a Tree in Your Tree Stump This may seem odd, but when your stump begins to decay in the center, you can plant a sapling or robust outdoors plant right in the stump. Simply cover the roots with nutrient-rich compost and silty soil, water two to three times per week. This would most likely work best in a stump cut within one to two-feet of the ground. Taller stumps would work for climbing or crawling plants. Tree Stump Plant Pedestal Showcase your favorite potted plants by placing them atop the stump. You can also use your stump as a location for your indoor plants to get some sun. The stump height for this use would depend on your preference. The cut across the stump should be as level as possible for maximum stability. Tree Stump Statue Pedestal One way to give your garden statue a more organic look is to use your tree stump as its pedestal. You can complement your statue with surrounding plants or climbing vines. The stump height for this idea will depend on the statue’s weight and your ability to anchor it to the stump. The statue’s stability will also depend on a level cut across the stump. Tree Stump Backyard Art Your tree stump can be used to display letters, trinkets, figurines, or any outdoor collectibles. You could even place some lawn chairs around the stump and serve up some tea. The stump height for this use will depend on what you intend to display and how within reach you want it. Tree Stump Carving Art  If you’re into carving, a tree stump will offer you a “blank canvas” and a chance to show off your creative skills. Stump height for this project depends on what you plan to carve.