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How to Make a Planter Out of a Recycled Tree Stump

October 26, 2016

Learn how to make a one-of-a-kind planter out of an old tree stump from HGTV Urban Oasis 2016 host Matt Blashaw.

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Attractive Oversized Planter Made From Old Tree

Photo: Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Creative Recycling

A large old tree had to be cut down at HGTV Urban Oasis 2016 but was creatively turned into an attractive sculptural oversized planter with midcentury paperclip-style legs for the courtyard. Here's how to do it.

Step 1: HGTV Urban Oasis 2016 in Ann Arbor, MI, Host Matt Blashaw uses a chainsaw to cut a section out of a large tree stump to make a backyard planter.

Photo: Trista Weddle

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Step 1

Host Matt Blashaw uses a chainsaw to cut a section out of a large tree stump found on property.

Photo: Trista Weddle

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Step 2: Carefully using a chisel and a hammer the bark is removed from the stump for an upcoming feature on HGTV Urban Oasis 2016 in Ann Arbor, MI. (action)

Photo: Trista Weddle

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Step 2

Using a chisel and a hammer carefully remove the bark is from the stump.

Photo: Trista Weddle

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Step 3: The stump must be sanded to smooth out sharp edges, as seen on HGTV Urban Oasis 2016 in Ann Arbor, MI. (action)

Photo: Trista Weddle

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Step 3

The stump must be sanded to smooth out sharp edges.

Photo: Trista Weddle

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Step 4: Adding legs to the base of the stump will add a design element and add height to the planter for your backyard patio, as seen on HGTV Urban Oasis 2016 in Ann Arbor, MI. (action)

Photo: Trista Weddle

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Step 4

Attaching legs to the base of the stump will add a design element and height to the planter for your backyard patio.

A behind the scenes peek as host Matt Blashaw add legs to a plant for a backyard feature for HGTV Urban Oasis 2016 in Ann Arbor, MI

Photo: Trista Weddle

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Photo: Trista Weddle

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Step 5: After placing on legs on the bottom, use a chainsaw to hollow out the stump so a plant can be placed in the center, as seen on HGTV Urban Oasis 2016 in Ann Arbor, MI.

Photo: Trista Weddle

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Step 5

After placing legs on the bottom, use a chainsaw to hollow out the stump so a plant can be placed in the center.

Matt Blashaw host of HGTV Urban Oasis 2016 in Ann Arbor, MI, hollows out the stump so a plant can be placed in the center.

Photo: Trista Weddle

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Step 6: Using a damp rag, remove any saw dust or residue before you varnish the stump, as seen on HGTV Urban Oasis 2016 in Ann Arbor, MI

Photo: Trista Weddle

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Step 6

Using a damp rag, remove any saw dust or residue before you varnish the stump.

Step 7: Using a paint brush apply two coats of varnish to the stump, allowing time to dry inbetween coats. The varnish will provide a protective layer on the planter for Michigans harsh winters, as seen on HGTV Urban Oasis 2016 in Ann Arbor, MI.

Photo: Trista Weddle

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Step 7

Using a paint brush apply two coats of varnish to the stump, allowing time to dry inbetween coats.

Photo: Trista Weddle

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Host Matt Blashaw, from HGTV Urban Oasis 2016 in Ann Arbor, MI, applies a coat of varnish to the tree stump.

Photo: Trista Weddle

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The tree stump is transformed into a beautiful planter, ready for the backyard of HGTV Urban Oasis 2016 in Ann Arbor, MI.

Photo: Trista Weddle

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White Rattan Chairs and Ottomans on Courtyard

Photo: Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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A Perfect Focal Point

This tree stump is a beautiful planter, ready for the backyard at HGTV Urban Oasis 2016 in Ann Arbor, MI.