Here's Ana again, who's got an idea about what to do with an eyesore. Take a look and give us your thoughts in the comments
When Jody moved into her 1960s ranch in Northeast Austin, she was at a loss as to what to do about a huge stump at the edge of her patio. Removing it would've been expensive and time-consuming, so she decided to make the best of it. Since she often hosts backyard barbecues, she realized it would make the perfect cooler...














mm Shiner. this is awesome! and very texan :)
view karenwog's profile
Smart, very smart. I live in Bastrop and will do the same thing with an old stump I have out here. I prefer Harp Lager or Heineken but hey to each his/her own as long as it is sweating cold. Nothing beats a Texas summer heat than a icy cold beer as you watch the sunset behind the Live Oaks.
Thanks
view click212's profile
I think I'd like it if the liner was something more attractive than a black trash bag.
view Jessimuhka's profile
Ditto on the lining - I don't have a stump to play with but if I did I'd probably tar the inside and paint/decorate the rim.
view Lenny's profile
:-D that is a fun solution.
view maike's profile
Why not just put some river rock in the bottom to keep the beer/ice from falling through...then put the ice in and the beer and enjoy the day. Why is a liner needed at all - just let the water run away.....
view rvrlvr's profile
Ditto on the liner yet again... maybe you could just tuck it in. The idea, though is... cool! (Sorry, I had to.)
view whytephoenix's profile
The trashbag is just a temporary solution. The stump can always be painted and lined with another sort of reusable material (vinyl tablecloth, silver tarp) to make it more aesthetically pleasing. Jody just wanted to see if it would work. And lots of people have stumps in Texas since plenty of trees (like mesquites and pecans) grow like weeds and interfere with power lines and pipes. I saw a neighbor using a stump in the front yard for a planter. And if the stumps are a little taller, you could always attach a top and use it as a table.
view palindrome's profile
Only in Texas, Baby!
view Marcee-ah's profile
Nothing sexier than a black garbage back sticking out of a stump... yes sir.
view Mr. Oswald's profile
Can't you just put the ice straight into the stump? Why do you need to line it at all? It would look way better. Don't hide the stump!
view megbot's profile
Uh, isn't the stump a home for rodents and bugs? If you put the ice right in the stump wouldn't you be flooding rodents and insects out of their homes?
Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not a rodent or insect lover. I was just wondering. Wouldn't it be easier to just place a garbage can next to your trailor and put the ice in that?
I'm assuming that if you're using a stump for a cooler that this isn't a real CLASSY affair. Hence, the garbage can suggestion.
Weasel Dearest is Mr. Dangerous
view Weasel Dearest's profile
Sorry, but I'm not loving this idea. But kudos to you for thinking outside the box!
May I suggest using it as a planter instead? Before doing that, though, the stump would need to be hollowed out a bit more.
view nerdnik's profile
I like the idea but not the black bag.
I think that if the stump was cut level across the top-a metal/plastic tub would fit over the hole & help to elevate the drinks to a convenient height.
view MoJonson's profile
I didn't think the stump was an eyesore until a plastic bag full of beer was put in it. Yuck.
I second the making it a planter idea.
view Orchid64's profile
jeez oh pete! what about utility? A plastic cooler doesn't look great either but it certainly serves a function. I like the way it looks and would definitely use it during a cookout or such.
view notyou's profile
I have a stump like that and did make a planter. Looks pretty cool and it also helps the tree rot a bit more for hopefully easier removal. One day.
Interesting idea tho.
view Janella13's profile
I'm thinking, get a nice decorative clear container (I'd lean towards a punch bowl maybe?). Put those nice rounded river rocks in the bottom of the stump, put in the container, nestle more rocks around it, and use that.
view kuroneko's profile
I don't know, without the trash bag I think it'd look awesome and be really fun at a party. I like the planter idea too - we have a neighbor who did that with one of hers and it's beautiful.
view theseboots's profile
Since we're talking tree stump here, deep six any lining at all, fill it to overflowing with ice, and let the melting ice do its thing, which would be to get absorbed by the stump. It would still outlast an all night party, and it would look really terrific. Also, more eco friendly w/out the plastic bag. Keep life simple!
view Aulaire's profile
we had to cut down an old mesquite tree just last week (it was bending the fence and the sap was like acid on our cars) and the stump is huge and cost would be really expensive to yank it out. only thing is its not near our BBQ pit! :\
view witchbaby's profile