Living stump

A living stump is created when a live tree is cut, burned, eaten, or infected, causing its cambium to die above the root system.

Example of a living stump.

Living stumps are generally characterized as having a thin outer layer of living cells that surround a hollow central cavity. ^[1]

Living stumps can survive for several years by

• using excess carbon reserves,
• transfer of nutrients from the roots of neighbouring trees, often aided by mycorrhiza^[2] or
• root grafting to the root system of living trees.

Root grafting allows for carbon transfer from living trees to living stumps resulting in incremental cambium growth in the stump.^[3]

Stumps can grow a callus tissue over its cross section which prolongs longevity of the stump by protecting it from infection and insect damage.^[4] A living stump which is capable of producing sprouts or cuttings is known as a stool, and is used in the coppicing method of woodland management.^[5]

Common examples

• Pinus strobus (white pine)
• Castanea dentata (American chestnut)
• Tsuga spp. (hemlock)
• Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir)
• Cedrus spp. (cedar)