Not every tree has to leave your landscape when it comes down. Whether you’re dealing with an old stump, a fallen limb, or a chunk of firewood too beautiful to burn, you can give it new life as a planter. Log and stump planters bring a rugged, naturalistic touch to the garden while showcasing shade-loving plants like ferns, heuchera, or moss. They blend beautifully into woodland-style beds, and they work equally well as standalone statement pieces or casual containers near seating areas. Best of all, they’re low-cost, low-maintenance, and completely unique — no two will ever look the same.

• A log segment or tree stump (hardwood holds up best)
• Drill, hammer, or chisel (for hollowing the center)
• Garden trowel or scoop
• Landscape fabric or coffee filter (optional, for drainage)
• Potting mix or compost-rich soil
• Shade-loving or low-root plants (see list below)
• Mulch or moss (optional, for topping or surrounding)
• Optional: small bench, stepping stones, or woodland path accent

1. Choose your wood.
Look for a stump already in place, or repurpose a log 12 to 24 inches in diameter and at least 10 inches tall. Avoid soft or punky wood — hardwoods like oak, maple, or hickory hold up better over time. Natural cracks, bark texture, and uneven edges all add to the visual appeal.

2. Hollow it out.
Using a drill with a large bit, a chisel, or even a chainsaw, carve out a planting well at least 4 to 6 inches deep and wide enough for your plant roots. Leave at least 2 inches of wood around the sides and base for structure. If using a log, you can hollow vertically or lengthwise for different looks.

3. Add drainage.
Drill a few holes in the bottom to prevent soggy roots. If your log is sitting on soil, you can skip this step. Line the cavity with a coffee filter or a piece of landscape fabric to prevent soil from washing out, especially if placing on a hard surface.

4. Fill with soil.
Use a loose, well-draining potting mix enriched with compost. Avoid dense garden soil — lighter soil helps plants take root and reduces compaction in the wood cavity over time.

5. Plant your selections.
Choose small, shallow-rooted plants that thrive in part to full shade. Tuck them in gently, then top off with a bit of extra soil or moss. Water thoroughly after planting.

6. Style your surroundings.
Nestle your stump or log planter among other woodland plants, place it beside a natural path, or pair it with a small bench or boulder to make it part of a shaded seating area. You can even add multiple log planters at different heights for a stacked or staggered effect.

These shade-tolerant, shallow-rooted plants work especially well in natural wood containers:

• Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Colorful foliage in compact form; great year-round interest
• Ferns – Try Japanese Painted Fern or Autumn Fern for texture and softness
• Hosta (Mini varieties) – Ideal for dappled light and contained growth
• Carex (Sedge) – Fine-textured and moisture-tolerant
• Moss – Can be planted or encouraged naturally to grow around the base
• Tiarella (Foamflower) – Delicate flowers and lush foliage for spring-summer beauty
• Ajuga – Creeping groundcover that adds trailing effect over the edges
• Wild ginger (Asarum) – A native favorite with large glossy leaves
• Begonia (Rex or hardy varieties) – Bold, colorful foliage in part shade
• Pulmonaria – Spotted leaves and early-season blooms add subtle flair

Position your log planter where it won’t stay constantly soggy — a bit of airflow helps the wood last longer. Consider rotating it occasionally to avoid decay on just one side. If your log starts to naturally break down, that’s okay — it’s part of the organic process and only adds to the woodland charm. Refresh the soil annually, and don’t overcrowd the cavity; these are best for just a few standout plants rather than overstuffed arrangements. If using moss, mist regularly to keep it green in dry weather.

Log and stump planters let you work with nature rather than against it. They’re sustainable, creative, and uniquely beautiful — no plastic pots, no rules, just organic texture and shade-friendly plants nestled into a piece of the forest floor. Whether tucked along a path or showcased as a focal point, they tell a story that keeps growing.