Now what do I do with this!?

I was sick that our tree in the front died and I had to have it cut down. I am thinking I could just put a large terracotta saucer on the tree stump for a bird bath...that would be the easiest thing to do but it would be pretty warm water in the sun! Without the shade there now, I'm afraid the ivy is going to burn up as it gets hotter here. I could use some fresh ideas....

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45 Comments Displaying 25 of 45 comments | See Previous

Jeanette S Atlanta, GA

You do not need to leave that stump in place so close to the house because it might attract termites! Get a friend to saw it down close to the ground, score the top with a chain saw and wet it down. Then place clear plastic over it. Keep it wet and it will deteriorate sooner. (The ideal thing would to have someone grind out the stump...should cost about $50-100). With limited space, a big tree is not going to survive long. Start saving your money in a coffee can for your carport...it ...»
can be a very simple design using long lasting materials that call for little maintenance. Even a covered arbor type would be pretty.

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 1
Ana M Alpharetta, GA

make a table top for it and put those chairs by it!!

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 2
Susan T Denton, TX

Douglas, I googled Vitex and it appears that is what I have and it is also called Texas Lilac Carol! I'm excited now because I would like to have one or a Crepe Myrtle there as Melissa suggested. I'll check out the site for those too.
Jeanette, I was worried about that with the stump but the tree guys said it won't be a problem if I get it sprayed for pests every year. I have a friend that does that, he's done a whole house ...»
foundation preventive treatment for me before this. I actually like the stump and would like a bird bath or maybe a little fountain on top of it or a table top as Ana suggested...
Thank you ALL so much, it's a nice feeling to have "friends' on here!
on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 0
Sherrie S Debary, FL

Douglas, I love the look of that vitex tree and the size, too. Can it take a full day of Florida sun?

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 0
Carol M Alpharetta, GA

Susan - either one would be a wonderful choice. Melissa and I are very good friends and have shared many gardening ideas!
Sherrie - I bet it will! It's a tough plant. I'd make sure and call your local nursery.

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 1
CONNIE W Somerset, PA

Had the same thing happen, and that is exactly what i did. I had a large Terracotta bowl that a friend gave me from Mexico, and placed it as a bird bath. Problem was it was so deep that I had to put in stones for the birds to perch on.

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 1
Ellen A Golden Valley, AZ

Sherrie....yes...it can take a LOT of sun...it takes the Arizona sun just fine...it's also called a Chaste Tree...I have two of them, just planted this year, in my yard and they both are blooming their little 2 foot high hearts out!....

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 1
Sherrie S Debary, FL

Susan T, plant a crepe myrtle. Those are the most beautiful, drought tolerent and easy to care for plants I have ever found. But now I'm going to try a Vitex Tree Douglas Hunt suggested.
Thank you Ellen A & Carol M - That makes 3 people recommending the Vitex. The area I want to put the Vitex plant has failed more than once but I just move the failed plants to a more hospitable area.

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 1
Susan T Denton, TX

This evening I went to Lowe's and they were all out of the Vitex! I'm going to keep looking though, there is a Home Depot and a Calloway's here in Denton.
I like the Crepe Myrtles, I have a few in other areas but I like the Vitex better for that spot. The Crepes seem to look ugly for so much of the year too. I love it when they bloom out though. Connie that sounds so pretty, post a picture! :)

on Jun 05, 2012 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

@Susan T: Seek out a local nursery. They often have a better selection, and more-informed help, than certain other places you might patronize (how was that for diplomatic).
@Sherrie: A full day of Florida sun is fine. They had some at Lindley's in New Smyrna last time I was there.

on Jun 06, 2012 · Like 2
Susan T Denton, TX

I will Douglas, thanks...there are a couple I know of I've been wanting to get to anyway... I wish that was all I ever had to do, I love gardening. I'm wanting to make some raised beds in the backyard for veggies and herbs. I am sure you will be hearing more from me on that. lol...I have been thinking of using little plastic kiddie pools instead of building them out of lumber, just for ease and costs sake.

on Jun 06, 2012 · Like 0
Sherrie S Debary, FL

Susan with Crepe Myrtles and Vitex I think you will be thrilled. So easy to care for and beautiful, too.
I got lucky and bought a vitex at my local nursery. They always have healthier and better plants than the big box stores.

on Jun 06, 2012 · Like 1
Exa H Killeen, TX

I have seen pictures of a stump that was drilled out to make a planter. It was spilling over with blooms, and was very pretty. Another idea that comes to mind is to drill it out enough to support a cedar post made into a bottle tree. I love bottle trees! There is something magical about the sun shining through the colored glass bottles that I find very attractive. Good luck with your stump no matter what you do.

on Jun 06, 2012 · Like 4
Susan T Denton, TX

Okay, here's the best I can do for now!
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on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 0
Sherrie S Debary, FL

You have done a wonderful job & I love photo 3. Susan, the vitex I just bought is far smaller than yours. I guess we must be patient. I can't wait for the blooms.

on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 1
Becky H Tampa, FL

Looks great; you're well on your way to landscape recovery, and who knows? Maybe you'll like the new better than the old.

on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 1
Becky H Tampa, FL

Sherrie S., where did you find your Vitex?

on Jun 22, 2012 · Like 0
Carroll A Coos Bay, OR

Looks great! Love the birdbath idea. Great way to work with that stump.

on Jun 23, 2012 · Like 0
Susan T Denton, TX

Thank you :) The guy that cut it made it very level so the saucer sits well.

on Jun 23, 2012 · Like 0
CONNIE W Somerset, PA

Susan love photo #3. I have the same frog on the ball, and also use in a bird bath. Love though that you added the stones.

on Jun 24, 2012 · Like 1
Susan T Denton, TX

That's funny Connie! Frogs are so fun in the garden! The stones sparkle but it doesn't show much in the picture...I've seen some neat ideas on here with those little glass stones glued onto things like old bowling balls and used as yard-art. I love how the ideas just flow from everywhere on the site!

on Jun 24, 2012 · Like 0
CONNIE W Somerset, PA

Susan - I have gotten some great ideas since joining this site. It is my favorite!

on Jun 25, 2012 · Like 1
Kevin M. Veler, Law Offic... Alpharetta, GA

I like your saucer/bird bath. Very nice

on Jun 25, 2012 · Like 1
Julie S Two Rivers, WI

Maybe someone already had this idea, but you could drill/dig out part or all of the stump, leaving a wall around, and put some dirt in and plant flowers, or something like hen and chicks, in it. The hen and chicks should come back every year. Sorry about your tree.

on Jun 26, 2012 · Like 1
L. Ann Mccomb, MS

See here:
http://www.familyhandyman.com/landscaping/ho...

on Jun 01, 2013 · Like 0