How do I make a pine stump into a learning tool?
I am working with our city to create a learning path thru a place in our local park. We unfortunately had to cut two trees that were leaning to provide room for the shelter. I had the city crew save one of the stumps in hopes I could have it used for a learning tool for the children to count the rings. After two months it is still oozing sap (which I have scraped off occasionally and have sanded) and we also have had a lot of rain over those months. Is there any hints has to how I can still use it or am I fighting a losing battle? I have even had a sign made telling the children how to count the rings to see how old the tree is. I have reached out to the Audobon society to see if any clues and have searched online. Every place I have searched or asked have different ideas but no specific answer, I am trying to keep the bark on the side. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Related Discussions
How to preserve large driftwood piece ?
Can you spray a large piece of driftwood to preserve in the yard? What kind of spray? Thank you
How can I turn this oddly shaped tree stump into a birdbath?
This ugly old tree stump has grown on me to the point where I want to turn it into a birdbath without completely covering it up. I’d like to keep as much of the nat... See more
What can I do with leftover stone from building a fireplace?
I have a lot of stone left from our fireplace. What can I do with it?
Can I use eucalyptus branches to make a trellis?
I have a eucalyptus tree when I trimmed it I noticed that the branches are very straight, and I wondered if I could use them to make trellises for my tomato plants an... See more
"Seasoning" the wood takes about a full year, or more. Set it in the sun so it cures faster.
https://joybileefarm.com/how-to-season-lumber/
https://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/drying-wood-at-home/
https://youtu.be/5sN4W_xGi7s
Hi Sheryl, Apply sealer spray to the bark. To prevent bark and wood pieces from falling off the sides of the stump, seal the bark with a clear gloss finishing spray. Apply the spray around the sides of the stump from top to bottom. Allow the sealer to dry overnight. This video may help
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWSKT6R-IjE
Thank you I should have mentioned we are leaving the stump rooted to the ground.
I think you should dig it out and fill with soil and plant another tree inside,be cool like Mother Nature regrowing. Add a big cement bird bath on top to give Bees,Butterflies,Ants & Birds water definitely needed in any park or even plant some local plants/flowers that draws the Bees & Butterflies, here are more ideas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dXo6vSPtpI or drill out stump add 4x4 post add a bat house great for mosquito control in park https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLT4Q5LvKDk Any of these would be great learning tools for kids & adults alike. LOVE this.....Great project
You need to cut it off the roots so it can dry. Otherwise it will keep oozing .