A tree trunk can be used wonderfully for various construction projects: For example, as a support beam for the new, covered terrace or placed as decoration in the living room. There are several ways to anchor the trunk securely in the ground. However, please note, especially indoors, on terraces or balconies, that the statics must not be overloaded.
How can I anchor a tree trunk in the ground?
To anchor a tree trunk in the ground, you can either lower it into the ground, encase it in concrete or attach it to a surface using an adjustable foot, U-angle, ground anchor, T-socket or round bar. Make sure there is sufficient stability and protect the wood from rot and moisture.
Put tree trunk in the ground
A very simple method is to insert a long tree trunk directly into the ground. In order for the trunk to be stable and secure, about a third of its length must disappear into the ground. The soil is then well consolidated, for example with a vibrator. The problem with lowering the tree trunk into the ground, however, is the fact that dead wood (which is what it is after all) is very quickly attacked by putrefactive fungi and bacteria when it comes into contact with constantly moist soil, which is why such a construction does not have a very long lifespan probably.
Protecting wood against rot
However, there are ways to improve the durability of the wood and thus delay rot. This means that you should only use hardwood such as oak or beech for such a project - these types of wood are much more resistant and therefore rot more slowly. However, it is not advisable to use soft wood such as spruce, fir or pine - fruit tree wood and especially birch also rot very quickly. There are also various ways to protect wood against moisture:
- Filling the hole in the ground with gravel and stones instead of topsoil
- Soaking the wood with wood protection (€17.00 on Amazon)
- Treating the wood with tar
- only use well-dried wood
Enclose tree trunk in concrete
If you want to be on the safe side, concrete the tree trunk in the ground. However, even with this method, the wood is not completely protected against moisture, as the foundation also absorbs and transmits moisture. It is better if you lock the trunk a few centimeters above the foundation so that the wood does not even come into contact with the ground. In addition, the concrete area could become a problem a few years later as it is very difficult to remove. It is possible that the tree trunk above ground has long since rotted and the concrete foundation is still holding out, making it difficult to implement another construction project in the same place.
Anchoring a tree trunk to a surface
There are various options available for anchoring the tree trunk to any surface, both indoors and outdoors. For example, you can use the following tools to lock it:
- an adjustable foot
- a U-angle
- a ground anchor
- a T-socket
- a round bar
Tip
You can hide the usually rather unsightly anchors behind a self-made wooden ring made from the same type of wood.
