Perhaps you have a tree stump in your yard that you’ve been trying to overlook for years, or maybe you have one from a recently felled tree—together with logs—but aren’t sure what to do with them. With a bit of creativity and know-how, you can turn these materials into interesting garden decorations.
Tree logs and stumps add a rustic touch to your space and make remarkable centerpieces for garden landscaping. Be it planters, garden benches, or fences, you can turn these elements into beautiful, functional landscape features you’ll adore for many years.
We’ve compiled 33 easy and creative ideas for using old logs and stumps. These will invigorate your imagination and help you transform an eyesore into your garden’s crowning glory.
Take a look!
1. Add Upcycled Elements
A big stump can easily add a unique touch to your garden with some upcycling ideas.
A vintage bicycle hangs on this humongous stump, acting as the eyes, while a woven planter with a rustic circular metal base makes up the hat for this stunning garden art.
2. Make a Statement with a Garden Sculpture
Go the extra mile and make a tree stump a show-stopping focal point for your landscape.
Unless you’re a renowned chainsaw user, we don’t recommend trying this idea yourself. However, you can commission a chainsaw artist to incorporate this work of art into your garden and add a unique feature that will be adored for years.
3. Use a Stump as a Floral Planter
Turning a tree stump into a unique planter is one of the simplest things you can do for all your favorite flowers and foliage.
All you need to do is add some potting soil alongside handfuls of gravel to improve drainage, and your plants will take care of the rest. The flowers at the base of this tree stump help it blend with the rest of the landscape, adding a beautiful natural look to the garden.
4. House Your Chirpy Friends
If you have a tall tree stump, consider attaching a few birdhouses onto it to create a mini village for your feathered friends.
Elevated off the ground, this garden’s wildlife oasis will keep birds safe from predators. Furthermore, nailing bird boxes on a stump is much better than nailing them on a living tree, which can cause damage by encouraging fungi that cause rotting.
5. Go the Whimsical Route
Create an elegant backyard oasis by grouping several ceramic teapots to form a whimsical water feature.
This stump provides a columnar base to support the tipped teapots as they create a stunning waterfall feature. Other outdoor décor surrounds the stump, making the space stand out even more.
6. Build a Gnome House
Once a mighty tree, this stump now serves a new purpose as a gnome home, adding fanciful interest to this yard.
2x4s have been used as roof supports, with used wood shims completing the look with a natural feel. Windows and doors have also been carved out from the stump, pulling the whole look together.
7. Light Up the Way with Log Lights
Add charming outdoor lighting to your yard with these creative log lights. The logs have been cracked to create a remarkable light pattern, adding character and warmth to this garden.
8. Uplift the Ambiance with Log Candles
These log candle votives take your outdoor lighting ideas to the next level.
The center of the logs has been hollowed to make space for the candles, which are sure to add a touch of magic to your backyard.
9. Diversify Your Seating Options
Enjoy outdoor conversations with friends and family with these log stools. They’re the perfect seating option for a garden and add a rustic charm to your outdoor space. The logs also act as edging for this garden.
Furthermore, the natural texture of these log stools adds warmth and character to this lush garden.
10. Build a Console Table
If you have a large tree stump in your yard, this presents the perfect opportunity to build a rustic console table.
The stump’s natural texture and setting create a striking focal point, adding character to this space.
11. Sit on Your Throne
Nestle down in this tree stump chair while reading your favorite book and sipping a cup of tea for some well-deserved rest.
You only need a chainsaw to cut the tree trunk to an appropriate height before carefully sculpting the chair seat, sides, and back. Finish by sanding your seat and enjoy your natural chilling spot.
12. Make a Stump Stand Out with Blooms
Capitalize on the rustic appearance of your tree stump by filling it with floral blooms. Even though it might be challenging, it’s definitely worth it!
Create a hole in the center, preserve it with a wood preserver, then add some potting soil. Don’t forget to drill holes on the sides and incorporate some gravel at the bottom to improve drainage. A tree stump planter is beneficial since it can also provide plant nutrients.
13. House Your Succulents
In addition to floral blooms, you can grow succulents on a tree stump. These plants thrive in arid areas, making them perfect for a tree stump planter.
Repeat the same procedure as in the previous idea and ensure there are plenty of drainage holes since proper drainage is vital for succulents. Use a cloche to cover the tree stump succulent planter during rainy periods, or make your own with a large translucent umbrella.
14. Feed Your Birds
If you love a rustic look and have a small wood log going spare, consider repurposing it as a bird feeder.
Carve out a small hole to create access to the bird food, hang your feeder at an ideal spot, and watch as birds start to flock into your yard.
15. Store Your Wine Outdoors
If you love entertaining al fresco, a tall tree stump might come in handy for your outdoor garden ideas.
This tree stump doubles up as a rustic table and wine storage. The tabletop has been designed in a way that it can hold glasses as well, adding interest and intrigue to the entire setup.
16. Rest on a Garden Bench
Tree stumps offer a lot of possibilities; all you need is a set of woodworking skills and some creativity.
This garden bench is made from two tree stumps, creating a serene spot for visitors to rest and enjoy the scenery.
17. Switch Up Your Outdoor Dining Area
Enjoy open-air dining with this nature-inspired dining set. This dining table and stools are a conversation starter!
The logs’ natural texture and shape strike the right ambiance for this outdoor living space, making this dining set perfect for lazy weekend meals or hangouts with your friends.
18. Bring Serenity with a Fountain
With only a few wood log slices, you can create a unique and eco-friendly fountain like the one in this design.
The fountain combines with the lush foliage to create a natural focal point while adding the soothing sound of flowing water. Use wood log slices of different sizes to add depth to your fountain.
19. Add a Rustic Water Feature
A water fountain made from dried wood logs is the perfect idea for a rustic chic garden, whether you live in the countryside or want a woodland escape feel in your small urban yard.
These wooden logs create a stunning water feature while still remaining undeniably elegant, gracing this space with a stylish, serene centerpiece.
20. Make a Fun Bunny
This wood log bunny is an excellent fun element for your landscape, adding personality with its natural textures.
The bunny oozes whimsy and intrigue and goes to show that even with the simplest of materials, you can make a remarkable piece of garden décor.
21. Natural ‘Stepping-Stones’ Pathway
Create a charming and unique pathway using tree log slices. Apart from being a cost-effective and eco-friendly option, it also adds a natural touch to your landscape.
These wood log slices bring much-needed color to this landscape and blend seamlessly with other natural elements.
22. Walk Down the Slope with Ease
Incorporating log stairs into your sloped landscape adds a rustic charm while making it accessible.
Logs are durable and offer a natural look, making them perfect for outdoor environments. These log stairs can also help prevent soil erosion.
23. Savor Conversations with a Tree Stump Firepit
Outdoor fireplaces are becoming increasingly popular in outdoor dining ideas, with most people looking for ideal ways to prolong their al fresco evenings.
Like the one in this design, a tree stump fireplace will add rustic flair to your yard while still acting as a dramatic focal point. Find some logs for seating to complete your rustic hangout zone.
24. Add Interest with Mushrooms
A chainsaw in the hands of a skilled sculptor can transform rustic tree stumps into works of art.
These tree stump mushrooms add a fairytale ambiance to the garden, evoking an otherworldly effect.
25. Turn a Log into a Mailbox
Receive your mail with this rustic, bespoke log mailbox. Slice a piece of your log to create an opening, then use the sliced piece for your mailbox’s door.
Perfectly nestled among plants, this mailbox will instantly elevate your landscape and give it a unique feel.
26. Let Your Kids Have Fun with a Swing
Add a playful touch to your yard with this rustic wood log swing. It is very easy to make—you only need a rope—and will create a fun-filled spot for kids to play around.
27. Grow Plants with a Raised Garden Bed
You can use logs to create a practical raised garden bed for your plants, as seen in this example.
The logs keep pests away, prevent soil compaction, and provide better drainage. Furthermore, they act as a natural border, defining your garden space.
28. Bring Some Privacy with a Log Fence
A fence made from logs is an excellent way to create a privacy screen and define your garden’s boundaries.
The logs offer a natural look and are strong enough to withstand severe weather conditions.
29. Build a Garden Wall
You can stack up old logs and build a practical and aesthetically pleasing retaining wall.
This log wall will do away with all of your soil erosion problems while creating a sturdy barrier for your garden.
30. Bring Charm with Bollard Lights
Customize tree logs and turn them into stylish outdoor lights like the ones in the above example. These outdoor walkway lights add an extra dose of magic to this yard. What the lights lack in formality, they make it up with grandeur.
31. Keep it Simple
These old logs have been given a new life as whimsical garden art pieces.
They make stylish centerpieces to surround with floral blooms, and their varying heights add depth and drama.
32. Elevate Your Outdoor Reading
If you’re looking for a creative DIY weekend project, building this rustic log library is a surefire way to make a statement in your outdoor space.
This tree log’s natural texture adds color to the design and blends nicely with the door’s frame. Use tempered glass for the display to eliminate risks of harm in case of any damage.
33. Build a Log Bridge
Building a bridge using tree logs is a fun and practical way of solving mobility issues in your landscape.
This eco-friendly, cost-effective option will add instant character to your outdoors, bringing an enchanting woodland feel and look.
