Will a Tree Stump Grow Back?

Short answer: The tree itself won’t grow back from a stump, but some species send up new shoots from the stump or roots. Grinding or removing the stump stops most of it.

Which Trees Sprout?

Some trees are known for sending up suckers after they’re cut, including poplars, willows, many maples, sumac and ash. You might see a cluster of green shoots around the stump or popping up from roots in the lawn.

What Stops It

• Stump grinding removes the stump below the grass, which stops most shoots.
• Stump removal takes out the main roots too, for the most thorough result.
• Cutting shoots back as they appear. Over time, the roots run out of energy.

Old Stumps Rot Slowly

Left alone, a stump can take many years to rot away, and it can attract insects and fungi in the meantime. Most people find it’s simpler to have it ground.