A tree stump is the remaining base of a tree trunk and its attached root system after the main stem has been cut down. Cutting a tree to ground level does not always solve the problem, as the remaining root system often retains enough energy to initiate new growth. This residual growth allows a stump to appear to “come back to life.” Whether a stump can grow back depends entirely on the tree species and the methods used during removal.
Understanding Stump Sprouting and Root Suckers
Removing the main trunk disrupts the tree’s natural hormone balance, signaling the root system to initiate a survival response. Using stored energy reserves, the tree attempts regrowth, which occurs in two distinct ways: stump sprouting and root suckering.
Stump sprouting happens directly from the remaining trunk, typically at the root collar where the trunk meets the roots. These sprouts arise from pre-existing, dormant buds located just beneath the bark. If left untended, these sprouts can rapidly develop into new, poorly structured trunks.
Root suckering is a similar survival mechanism, but new shoots emerge directly from the lateral roots, often many feet away from the original stump. The roots contain dormant buds that activate when the tree is felled, sending up new, genetically identical stems. This regrowth can be frustrating because the shoots appear throughout the surrounding landscape.
Common Tree Species Prone to Regrowth
Deciduous trees are generally the most aggressive sprouters and suckers because they evolved mechanisms to regenerate quickly after disturbances like fire or grazing. These species have a high concentration of stored carbohydrates in their root systems ready to fuel new growth. Conifers are much less likely to resprout, though exceptions like the Coast Redwood exist.
Common trees notorious for vigorous stump sprouting include maples, willows, and elms. Rapid-growing species like cottonwoods and poplars are also well-known for their relentless root suckering, sometimes creating a thicket of new growth far from the original site. Other challenging species include black locust, beech, and various oaks, all of which require vigilance to prevent regrowth.
Eliminating Regrowth Permanently
The most effective way to eliminate regrowth is to physically remove the entire stump and the root collar through stump grinding. A specialized machine grinds the wood down to a depth of four to eighteen inches below the soil line, removing the bulk of the tissue containing the dormant buds. This mechanical removal is fast and prevents both stump sprouting and most root suckering by eliminating the energy storage hub.
Another effective method is the chemical cut-stump treatment, which uses systemic herbicides like glyphosate or triclopyr. The herbicide must be applied directly to the freshly cut surface, specifically targeting the cambium layer, the living ring just inside the bark. Applying the chemical within minutes of cutting is necessary, as the wound quickly closes and inhibits absorption.
This chemical method works best when applied during late summer or fall, when the tree naturally moves nutrients downward into the roots for winter storage. The chemical is translocated along with the nutrients, killing the root system and preventing future regrowth. For a non-chemical approach, a homeowner can repeatedly cut or tear off any sprouts and suckers as soon as they appear. This process starves the root system by continually depleting the stored energy reserves, though this often takes multiple seasons.