What to Plant Around Tree Stumps

After removing a tree, the stump is often left behind, mostly due to the extra effort and cost required to remove it. While the stump itself may not be the most attractive feature in your garden, you can still make the best out of it by planting around it. Here are some plants that can make your garden look amazing, even with a tree stump in it:

Ground Covers

Ground covers are an excellent option for planting around stumps, as they quickly fill any empty spaces and don't require much maintenance. Some popular options include:

Creeping Thyme: This herbaceous plant is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and flowers in summer, producing a vibrant purple shade.

Creeping Juniper: This evergreen shrub can be sheared to create an even dense ground cover around the stump, and it thrives in full or partial sun.

Creeping Jenny: Another low-maintenance option, creeping jenny features chartreuse foliage that brightens up any garden. It prefers moist, well-drained soil.

Shrubs and Trees

If you have a larger area to work with and want to add some height to your garden, planting shrubs or small trees is a great choice. Not only do they accentuate the stump, but they also provide some much-needed shade in the hot summer months. Some options include:

Redtwig Dogwood: This deciduous shrub has red branches that provide a pop of color in the winter landscape. It thrives in moist soil and partial sun but tolerates full sun.

Serviceberry: This small tree features stunning white flowers in spring and edible berries in summer. It thrives in full or partial sun and well-drained soil.

Smoke Bush: Also known as the Cotinus, this small tree has gorgeous foliage that ranges from green to red-purple. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun.

Perennials

If you're not sure what to plant around the tree stump and want some high-impact options, perennials are your best bet. They bloom year after year, brightening up the garden with different colors and textures. Some options include:

Black-eyed Susan: This daisy-like flower blooms from summer until fall, with bright yellow petals and dark centers. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Hosta: This shade-loving perennial has various sizes and foliage colors and is easy to maintain. It's a great option for areas around the base of the stump that receive less sunlight.

Daylilies: With a broad range of colors and shapes, daylilies are versatile perennials that bloom repeatedly in summer. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

Conclusion

Planting around a tree stump can be a fun way to add some variety to your garden while making the best out of this leftover feature. With ground covers, shrubs, and perennials, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape that will thrive for years to come.