How to Hollow Out a Tree Stump

There is a good chance that you might want to hollow out a tree stump at some point in your life. If it isn’t for the desire to decorate it and make it into something useful, then perhaps you have stumbled upon an old tree stump while exploring in the woods. Either way, learning how to hollow out a tree stump on your own is actually easier than you would think.

Some people consider tree stumps as natural works of art, while others use them in the garden to mark special events or as decoration pieces sitting on their porches. Regardless of what you plan to do with it once you have gotten it hollowed out, there are some important things you should know before getting started. This guide will provide you with some facts that will come in handy while working on hollowing out a tree stump.

What does “hollowing out a tree stump” mean?

In general, hollowing out a tree stump means carving or whittling away at the wood until the center of the stump is exposed. This can be done with a number of different tools and methods, but it is important to take your time and be careful while doing so.

There are many reasons why you might want to hollow out a tree stump. Maybe you need the extra space for storage, or maybe you’re looking for a new place to sit.

How do I hollow out a tree stump?

There are lots of ways to hollow out a tree stump, and it may take more than one method to get the job done. Your specific goal will determine which method is best for you. It ultimately depends on whether you want to create a work of art or an actual usable object such as an umbrella stand, lamp or potting bench.

Hollowing with a chainsaw

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to hollow out your tree stumps, then using a chainsaw may be the best option for you. This method is very fast and efficient, and it does not require much skill or experience. The only downside is that it can be a bit dangerous, so make sure to take precautions when using a chainsaw.

The first thing you need to do is measure the stump. This will help you determine how large of a hole you will need to make.
Once you have done that, it is time to start digging.
Cut around the perimeter of the stump until it falls off or can be easily pulled out.
Then, cut a hole in the center of the stump that is large enough for you to fit inside.
Once you have done that, start cutting out the pieces around the edge of the hole until it is big enough for you to climb inside. Be very careful while doing this as chainsaw injuries can be quite serious.
Once you are inside the stump, use your chainsaw to carve out the interior until it is hollow.
Make sure that all of the edges are smooth so that there aren’t any sharp points or corners that could cause injury.

When you are finished, take a look at your work and make any necessary adjustments. If everything looks good, then you have successfully hollowed out a tree stump with a chainsaw.

Hollowing with a drill

If you don’t feel comfortable using a chainsaw, then you can always try hollowing out the stump with a drill. This is a little more difficult than using a chainsaw, but it is still doable if you are patient and take your time.

The first step is to dig out the perimeter of the stump so that it is easier to work with. You can use either a shovel or an ax to do this.
Once the perimeter is dug out, start drilling into the center of the stump until you have created a hole large enough for you to fit inside.
Once you are inside the stump, use your drill to carve out the interior until it is hollow. Again, make sure that all the edges are smooth so that there aren’t any sharp points or corners.
When you are finished, take a look at your work and make any necessary adjustments. If everything looks good, then congratulations. You have successfully hollowed out a tree stump with a drill.

Hollowing with a saw

This is the most efficient way to remove the center of a tree stump.

First, cut off any branches from the top of the stump using a chainsaw.
Then, use a chainsaw to cut vertically into the side of the stump, starting at ground level and going up as high as you can.
Once you have made several cuts into the side of the stump, use a shovel to pry out the chunks of wood. Be careful not to damage your shovel by hitting it against metal nails or screws that may be in the stump.
Finally, use a chainsaw to cut away any remaining pieces of wood until you are left with a hollowed-out stump.

Hollowing with fire

The traditional way of hollowing out a tree stump is by burning it out. This is done either with a fire that has been set in the stump or with an acetylene torch. The heat from the fire will cause the wood to rot and eventually the inside of the stump will be free of any remaining wood.

This process does take some time, but it is a fairly easy method that can be done by most people. It is important to make sure that the fire is kept going consistently so that all the wood rots evenly. If there are any parts of the stump that are not burned, they can easily become a hazard once they have dried out.

Hollowing with an axe

Another common way to hollow out a stump is by using an axe. This can be a bit more difficult than burning the stump out, but it does have some advantages. For one, it is much quicker than burning the stump out. It is also less likely to cause any problems with dry rot once the stump has been hollowed out.

The downside of this method is that it can be a bit more dangerous and it takes more skill to do correctly. There is also a greater chance of damaging the surrounding area with an axe.

General steps for hollowing a tree stump

Choose the right tree stump. Not all stumps are created equal – you’ll want to make sure you choose one that is big enough to work with.
Get your tools ready. You’ll need a saw, an ax, and a drill.
Cut off the top of the stump. This will give you easier access to the inside of the stump.
Drill a hole in the side of the stump. The hole should be big enough for you to fit your saw into.
Cut out the inside of the stump. Be careful not to cut too deep – you don’t want to go all the way through to the other side.
Sand down the edges of the stump. Make sure they are all smooth so that you don’t get injured.

Safety considerations when hollowing a tree stump:

Always use caution when operating any power tools.
Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect your hands and eyes.
Make sure the area around you is clear of debris that could cause a fire or create a tripping hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you hollow out a tree stump to plant flowers?

To hollow out a tree stump, you will need an electric drill with a spade bit and chisel. Drill a series of evenly spaced holes around the perimeter of the stump. Use the chisel to pry out the wood between the drilled holes. Be careful not to damage the roots of nearby plants. Repeat until the stump is completely hollowed out. You can then plant flowers in the hole or use it as a birdbath.

Can you hollow out a tree stump without power tools?

It is possible to hollow out a tree stump without power tools by using a hand saw and chisel. Cut off the top of the stump at ground level using a hand saw. Pry out small pieces of wood from the center of the stump with a chisel until it is hollow. Be careful not to damage the roots of nearby plants.

How do you bore out a tree stump?

Boring out a tree stump is a more difficult process than hollowing it out. You will need an electric drill with a hole saw bit and chisel. Drill several evenly spaced holes around the perimeter of the stump. Use the chisel to pry out the wood between the drilled holes. Be careful not to damage the roots of nearby plants. Repeat until the stump is completely bored out.

Conclusion

There’s no right or wrong way when it comes to hollowing out a tree stump. It’s progress being made, and every stumper will have his own opinion of how the space should be used. Once you’ve got that big hunk of wood cut into something more manageable, get to work.

This is a job that can be tackled by anyone, regardless of experience. Be safe, have fun, and happy stumping.