Tree Stump for a Pier

I have a 2 foot thick Oak Tree I was considering cutting down to the requisite height and using as a fixed pier...any thoughts on stability/vibration issues that may render this option non-viable?Z 8)

Hi Scott
While stability/vibration might be good for a while sooner or later it will rot, not to mention it will have always have moisture in it as long as it is in contact with the ground. I'm not sure this is a good idea.
Buck

If the tree must come down, then why not give it a try? I would think that you could treat and seal the stump and put a metal plate on the top and it would last for a few years. You would just have to test it from time to time by doing a bore hole or driving a long nail of spike to check the integrity of the wood.

A few weeks ago I was thinking of doing this very thing with a walnut tree I cut down in my observing area. Left the stump standing about 4 ft. tall until one day I just got sick of looking at it and finished it off with the chain saw.

Why not give it a try, Scott? It might work fine; for awhile anyway. You ought to be able to get a few years out of it at least.

Heck, an overturned 50 gallon drum to put your charts on, a couple of old school buses arranged as shields from the neighbor's lights and you'd have yourself a regular redneck observatory. Maybe put a real big tractor tire around the stump and you'd have a place to sit no matter where the scope was pointed. We could start a redneck forum and try to outdo each other; but you'd have a big headstart.

Just kidding. I really do think it's worth a try.
Bob