Got a pesky tree stump sitting in your yard, just begging to be dealt with? Instead of breaking your back or your budget trying to remove it, how about transforming it into something beautiful and functional—a birdbath!
That’s right! With a few simple materials and a little bit of creativity, you can turn that stump into the base of an elegant birdbath that will attract birds of all kinds to your yard. It’s an easy, eco-friendly project that will add natural beauty to your outdoor space.
Here’s how you do it.
Materials Needed:
- A tree trunk
- Plastic planter
- Drill
- Three large bolts
- Silicone sealant
- Large rocks
- Solar water fountain
- Pennies (pre-1982)
- Apple cider vinegar
1. Find the Perfect Tree Trunk
Of course, not all tree stumps make bird baths. First, you need to find the ideal tree trunk. While hiking, we stumbled upon a sturdy trunk with an intriguing shape—perfect for our project. Make sure the trunk you select is stable and free from rot. Check out the above image for a great example of what to look for.
2. Prepare the Basin
Next, grab a plastic planter to serve as the basin for your bird bath. Choose one large enough to comfortably accommodate birds. Place the planter on top of the tree trunk and drill three holes through the bottom of the planter into the trunk. Secure the planter with large bolts to ensure stability. To prevent water leakage, seal around the bolts with a generous amount of silicone.
3. Add Rocks for Safety
Once the planter is securely attached, add large, smooth rocks to the basin. These rocks provide safe drinking spots for birds, butterflies, and bees, preventing them from drowning. Check out the second image to see the final setup with the rocks in place.
4. Install a Solar Water Fountain
To keep the water moving and avoid creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes, install a solar water fountain in the center of the bird bath. This ensures water circulation, making your bird bath more attractive to wildlife.
5. Prevent Algae Growth
Preventing algae growth is crucial. Drop ten pennies that pre-date 1982 into the bird bath—these older pennies have a higher copper content, which helps inhibit algae growth. Additionally, add a capful of apple cider vinegar per gallon of water. This natural addition helps maintain clean water without harming the birds or insects.
6. Maintain Your Bird Bath
Maintaining the bird bath is straightforward. Regularly clean it and change the water to ensure it remains a healthy drinking spot for wildlife. Check the solar fountain to make sure it’s functioning properly, and adjust the rocks if needed.
Enjoy Your Functional Piece of Art!
Your DIY bird bath is now a stunning piece of functional art, ready to be enjoyed by your local wildlife. It’s more than just a bird bath; it’s a testament to your creativity and love for nature. Enjoy watching birds, butterflies, and bees flock to your beautiful creation!
