Stump is not in the ground.

My apple stump in ground lasted about 10 years untreated. Sadly its on its way out now. I think unless you live in a dry climate wood eventually rots if left outside. But i'd be interested to hear if others have ideas.
Kathy

Remove the middle, drill the drainage hole, soak the stump insides in a waterproofing substance (linseed oil, oil/beeswax. commercial stuff like Thompson's ... whatever. Put it on small feet to keep it off the ground.

Instead of planting directly in the stump, use it as a "cache pot" for plastic pots.

If the bark starts peeling, remove it and glue it on with wood glue and clamps.

Lazygardens that all sounds like the perfect solution. Saving.

Thank you, Lazygardens. Will do this

Don't know how long it will last, but this log section is just the way I drug it out of a wood/chip pile