Stumps Can Be Kept Alive by Other Trees — What This Means for You

Most homeowners naturally assume that once a tree is cut down, its stump and underground root system die off immediately and begin the slow process of decomposition. However, nature has a fascinating way of defying our expectations. In some cases, nearby trees can actually keep a stump alive through an extraordinary process known as root grafting. While having a living stump isn’t inherently harmful to your home or property, it can significantly affect your future tree care and landscape plans.

The good news is that the ISA-certified arborists at All About Trees in Springfield, MO, can assess tree stumps, root systems, and surrounding trees to determine the safest and most effective solution for your property. Whether you’re curious about a seemingly alive stump or planning a landscaping project, professional guidance from our team can help protect the health of your trees while achieving your goals.

A Real-World Example: A Living Stump in New Zealand

Scientists recently found a kauri stump in New Zealand that is very much still alive. The stump, which is pictured above, was discovered while Sebastian Leuzinger was on a hike. Leuzinger noticed that this tree had live tissue, as opposed to the deadwood of a regular tree stump. Living stumps have been documented since 1833, but this is the first instance of this occurring (that we have found, at least) in the kauri tree (Ed Yong, The Atlantic).

This stump can only be kept alive one way: by exchanging nutrients and water with the trees surrounding it. The exchange of materials between trees is not a new phenomenon; trees have been found to use fungi to transfer nutrients from tree to tree. However, for this kauri stump to stay alive, it most definitely is connected to one or more trees via a root graft. In a root graft, the roots of two or more plants grow together and connect, allowing them to directly share resources without the help of fungi. Up to 150 species of trees are known to form root grafts (Kelly Mayes, Science).

This is quite a remarkable find. While there is no evidence that all tree species can do this, and root grafting can only occur between two or more compatible species, this still has many implications for the tree service business.

How Root Grafting Keeps Tree Stumps Alive

Root grafting occurs when the roots of nearby trees (typically trees of the same species) grow together and form a connection.

Once this connection develops, the trees can share resources. Water, nutrients, and even certain carbohydrates can move through the grafted root system from one tree to another. As a result, a stump that no longer has leaves capable of photosynthesis may continue receiving support from nearby healthy trees.

In forests, neighborhoods, and landscaped properties where trees have shared growing space for decades, these underground connections can become extensive.

What It Means if You Have a Living Tree Stump on Your Property

While a living stump is not necessarily an immediate hazard to your home, it can be quite unsightly and will frequently interfere with your landscaping plans, whether you want to plant a new garden bed, install a fence, or just enjoy a clean lawn.

In some cases, living stumps may produce new sprouts or shoots around the base. These sprouts can create ongoing maintenance concerns and may continue appearing if the root system remains active.

Stump grinding is often considered when homeowners want to reclaim usable space or improve the appearance of their property. However, it is important to understand that removing an alive stump can be more complicated than removing a completely dead one.

Once roots have grafted together, severing that connection by removing the stump could potentially affect the health of the connected tree. For example, if done improperly, the severed roots could leave the standing tree vulnerable to pests and diseases. It could also struggle to absorb the nutrients it was used to receiving. This is why a professional assessment is so valuable before proceeding with stump removal or grinding.

An ISA-certified arborist can evaluate the situation and determine whether stump grinding is appropriate, as well as identify any precautions that may help protect surrounding trees.

Can Trees Grow Back After Being Cut Down?

One of the most common questions homeowners ask after tree removal and while staring at the stump left behind is whether the tree will grow back. The answer depends on the species of tree and the condition of its root system.

Many tree species, such as maple, willow, poplar, and certain oaks, are capable of producing new shoots after being cut down. These shoots may emerge from the stump itself or from roots located nearby.

When the root system remains alive, it may continue supplying energy to these new shoots. Over time, multiple sprouts can develop around the stump, creating clusters of small stems that grow rapidly. If left unchecked, these sprouts can eventually turn into a dense, bushy mess, or even grow into a multi-trunked, structurally weak version of the original tree.

If your goal is complete removal, addressing both the stump and any remaining root activity as soon as possible is necessary to prevent future regrowth.

Why Stump Grinding Is Often the Best Long-Term Solution

If you are dealing with a persistent, living stump, simply clipping off new sprouts every few weeks gets tiring quickly. That is why professional stump grinding is widely considered the best long-term solution.

Stump grinding offers several benefits:

• Improves the appearance of your landscape
• Eliminates tripping hazards
• Makes mowing and lawn maintenance easier
• Reduces the likelihood of unwanted sprouting
• Frees up valuable space for landscaping projects
• Helps prevent certain pest and insect issues associated with decaying wood

When a stump may be connected to nearby trees through root grafting, the decision to grind should be approached carefully. An arborist can evaluate the condition of surrounding trees and determine whether any special considerations are necessary before removal.

Trust All About Trees for Professional Stump Evaluations

If you have a tree stump that seems unusually healthy or continues producing new growth, it may be receiving support from nearby trees through root grafting. The team at All About Trees can evaluate whether a stump is still alive, determine if root grafting is present, and recommend the safest approach for removal.

Connect with our team today and learn more about our tree care, rootwork, and stump grinding options. We’ll assist you in maintaining a healthy and beautiful property for years to come.

Sources:

Mayes, Kelly. “Trees Share Water to Keep This Dying Stump Alive.” Science, 25 July 2019, www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/07/trees-share-water-keep-dying-stump-alive.

Yong, Ed. “The Stump That Didn’t Die.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 29 July 2019, www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2019/07/mystery-undead-tree-stump/594673/.