Tree falls can be quite unfortunate, the loss of a tree and then the aftermath including damage and clean-up. However, your remaining trump stump doesn’t have to be an eyesore or create more damage to your property through stump grinding.
Leaving a stump, whether it was cut or the broken edges can become a great focal point and conversation piece for your garden or landscape! Planting your stump allows it to naturally degrade over time as well retain the surrounding landscape or plants that haven’t been damaged by the tree fall. This is also a great alternative you decide to have a tree cut down, but are concerned about the ground damage stump grinding can do to surrounding plants.
Depending on where your stump is located, and how hollow it is will determine what is best to plant in it. Some stumps like black walnut may not be good candidates for this as they produce plant suppressive chemicals.
You can either use bright, colorful annuals in sunny locations or naturalizing shade plants in shady areas such as ferns to create your stump garden. Make sure to use upright plants towards the top as well as trailing plants that will grow down the stump. You can naturalize the base by planting low growing perennials or moss to complete the look.