How to Hollow Out a Stump

How to Pull Tree Stumps With a Tractor
Written By
Stephi Peppers
Stephi Peppers
Published: Apr 6, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Protective eyewear
  • Gloves
  • Router or drill
  • Chisel
  • Hammer
  • Sandpaper

Hollowing out a Stump

  1. Soften the wood of the stump. Wait for a day after a rainstorm when the wood will be softer and more pliable after absorbing water. This is not necessary, but will make the job easier.

  2. Drill holes across the section of the stump you wish to make hollow. Space the holes a few inches apart throughout the entire section.

  3. Hollow out the stump with your hammer and chisel. Chip away the wood beginning at the edge of one of the holes. Keep your chisel at a 45-degree angle. Remove the wood and place it in a compost pile, recycle pile or use it as mulch.

  4. Smooth the hollowed area. Clean up the hollow by chiseling away the jagged sections of wood. Smooth the edges and bottom of the hollow with course-grain sandpaper.

  5. Wipe away any debris or dust from your work.

The Drip Cap

  • Tree stumps in your garden or landscaping provide you with a world of earthy possibilities.
  • This is not necessary, but will make the job easier.
  • Clean up the hollow by chiseling away the jagged sections of wood.

References

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Stephi Peppers

Stephi Peppers began her writing and editing career while in college at Emory University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English and creative writing. She has been writing since 2000, with published articles on various…

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