Stump sprout

A stump sprout is a shoot that grows from the stump after a tree is cut. Penn State Extension says stump sprouting gives an extra chance for survival after extreme disturbance. The tree is trying to regrow from stored energy.

Iowa State Extension notes that some stumps will resprout after the tree is cut down, and that applying herbicides to the stump right after cutting can help reduce resprouting. Always follow the product label.

Sprouts differ from suckers, which can come up from roots away from the stump. Grinding removes the stump and its upper roots, which removes most sprouting points, but some shoots can still rise from roots left in the ground. Cutting them back repeatedly drains the stored energy. See will a stump grow back.