How do you hollow out a stump? Here is a practical guide on this process.
Hollows are otherwise known as tree holes, which is a semi-enclosed cavity that is naturally formed or artificially formed on the tree branch or tree trunk.
You notice this occurs mainly in old trees, irrespective of the species of tree, whether dead or living trees.
A tree stump is one widely known feature of woodlands and natural forest trees. You notice that in most forests or woodlands, tree stumps are usually that small part of the tree trunk remaining with the roots still underground.
If you have several tree stumps lying around in your yard, and wondering what to do with them, you will be amazed at what you can use them for, either to attract eye-catching accents to your garden or landscaping.
Now that we have understood what ‘hollowing out a tree stump’ means, I’m sure you are wondering what’s next?
You can however create either a birdbath, a planter, or a piece of décor that will add color and add solitude to your outdoor living making it more inviting, accommodating, and vibrant.
Hollowing out a tree stump is labor-intensive, and requires skilled techniques which when strictly observed, generates the perfect result initially intended.
There are several techniques used in hollowing out a tree stump, but, the most widely used techniques in today’s society are; by fire, by cutting out with a chainsaw, and or hollowing by use of bare hands.
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Hollowing out a Tree Stump by Fire
When you want to hollow out a tree stump by fire, you, first of all, remove flammable items like sticks, dried leaves, and other wooden items near the stump.
By doing this, you are actually reducing the risk of a huge, unintended fire erupting as you work the stump. You will also want to keep a bucket full of water just in case of an emergency.
You then need to bore holes on the stump.
You don’t have to worry about this step as boring holes can be done with mere hands. Use a measurement of about 2.5 cm bit at a 30 degrees angle, making your hole between 20cm to 25cm, deep enough to reach down the roots, and do well to clear the hole of any debris after drilling it.
Holes should be 2cm to 5cm, away from each other, to burn easier.
The next thing you need to do is to fill each bored hole with potassium nitrate.
Yes, you might be wondering what potassium nitrate means? Don’t stress too much, as your local store will help you in getting some, then you pour in hot water to dissolve the chemical.
Do well to wash your hands thoroughly, after using this particular chemical. To make your stump more flammable, you might also want to consider adding either kerosene or charcoal, light it using kindling.
You need to allow it to burn for some time, after which, you can proceed to start breaking up any large pieces of stump, or roots.
Keeping in mind to avoid igniting any accidental fire by covering with fresh soil or using water to quench burned pieces and burned out holes.
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Hollowing Out with A Chainsaw
If you want to use a chainsaw, you will also need a hammer and chisel.
First, you have to make sure that the stump is well dried, you then have to determine a baseboard that you can dig through the stump.
You will need to carve out the center, and edges of the stump with the chisel. You use your hammer and chisel to remove wood pieces and smoothen out the edges.
You can then proceed to use your chainsaw to cut through the desired spot, once you have carved out the top layer of holes.
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Hollowing out a Tree Stump by Hand
This method of hollowing out the tree stump, you will notice is only easier, when the wood stump is softer. When it is softer, you notice that the job is less tedious and less time-consuming.
This method is mostly used immediately after a rainstorm has passed, or you are advised to use tree stump removal chemicals, you can easily get from your local stores, like potassium or Epsom salt.
These chemicals help soften, speed up and ease your work. You will also need to use a hammer and chisel, to hollow out the stump by chipping away carefully, wood from the edges of the hole.
The carefully chipped wood, you can use as a compost pile or in your recycle.
You will also need to smoothen out the hollow area, by using your chisel, to clean up harsh, and rough-edged areas of the stump.
Sandpaper, can be used to smoothen the bottom and edges of the stump, and brush away sawdust, in a case where you will want to use it, as a means of decoration or for gardening.
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Hollowing out a Tree Stump by Drilling
Hollowing out a tree stump by drilling is capital intensive, this particular method is used for the main purpose of adding beauty to your outdoor, that is turning it into a birdbath, or a planter, for gardens.
Depending on the purpose for which it is drilled for, and how big you want it to be.
This mode of hollowing out tree stumps is considered rather expensive, because, it requires some level of skills, expertise, and the use of drilling machines.
Using a drilling machine, you will notice that some degree of precision is required for quality, best, and desired results.
You also use a chisel and hammer, to remove excess wood from stumps, after you have drilled holes through. This, you repeat until you have the desired depth you want for either the purpose of the birdbath, planter, or whatever purpose you so desire.
It is however up to you to explore ways of hollowing out tree stumps.
You may want to ask around before making the best possible decision. However, hollowing out a tree stump isn’t as energy and time-consuming as it might seem.
Following the outlined steps above, is a sure way for you to be on the right path, provided you take on the safety precautionary measure, irrespective of the technique you decide to use.