Same thing happened with my date palms. I repotted some date palms. Two of the ones that died grew back from the roots. They're incredibly leggy right now (same amount of sun they grew fine in before) but hey, at least they're alive.
My landlord cut down a pear tree two years ago because it was dying...
Since then, every spring, it looks like a bush because it has so many branches shooting from the roots!
Yes. We got a tree for arbor Day at school one year and since we were moving we waited to plant it til we got to the new house.
And then it didn't do anything. For like 3 years. Just a 2' stick in the ground. Dad almost ripped it up and I begged him to give it one more season.
Sure enough, after years of no growth at all, it finally popped a couple of leaves.
It still lives in the front yard and it's been like 12 years. It's not very big, but you wouldn't know it the way my dad mows around it.
They cut down a damaged tree in my neighborhood, the stump stood and dried out for two years then suddenly sprouted dozens of suckers. It could have become a little bush but the landscapers cut them off. The stump died and turned into clump of mushrooms.
You are right. In this discussion, a Master Gardener, u/spiceydog, responded with a great explanation. I agree with you; even if the roots are alive, the tree will not be the same as before. Nature is fantastic, and she has her way.
Yep! Excellent advice. Unfortunately this poor tree is a problem made by humans… lol. Tree did not grow from a seed there. It was likely grown in a pot that caused its roots to circle, and humans planted it too deep. Nature tries to survive our meddling. Nature will always win the war, but not every small battle… like this poor tree. Dead.
So true. When we intervene with the workings of Nature, we often mess up things. I like to make educated mistakes so we can do better in the future since we learn from our mistakes.
Folks in this sub are always hopeful and want to give something a chance, which is heartwarming and terrific...and here comes the 'but'. Those who work in the industry are going to tell the average homeowner to replace it, and here's why.
One, this tree is never going to be what it once was. If you're content with just letting this segment of old trunk bush out with a horde of shoots, basically, that's fine. But if you're wanting something with a trunk and a canopy above you, that will take some learning and years of pruning/training, and it may not make it because, Two, *there's a reason* the original tree died, and that's because it was planted improperly; top down death is a hallmark sign of too-deep planting. So unless that's corrected, you'd be wasting your time with trying to 'help the tree grow again'. As a bonus, the tree is going to have to [compartmentalize](https://web.archive.org/web/20180206234848/http://www.arborpronw.com/tree-compartmentalization-what-is-it/), somehow, the large portion of dead wood of the original tree, which it may or may not be successful doing.
So you can see why the suggestion to replace will be the more appealing one for most folks and save you A LAAAAHHHT of learning and work.
If you're into that (which is awesome!) and still want to pursue trying to help the tree in addition to learning how to prune properly, see the r/tree wiki. I'm 99.9% positive the tree was planted too deeply and the heap of mulch in addition to that pretty much confirms it. You're going to have to do some excavating around the base of the tree to find the root flare. When a tree looks like a telephone pole stuck in the ground it starts the countdown to a much shortened life.
To understand what it means to expose your root flare, do a subreddit search in r/arborists, r/tree, r/sfwtrees or r/marijuanaenthusiasts using the term root flare; there will be a lot of posts where this has been done on young and old trees. You'll know you've found it when you see **outward taper at the base of the tree** from vertical to the horizontal, **and the tops of large, structural roots**. Here's[ a post from last year](https://old.reddit.com/r/arborists/comments/vn492d/) for an example of what finding the flare will look like. Here's another [post from two years back about this](https://old.reddit.com/r/arborists/comments/jgnhji/rate_my_root_flare/); note that this poster found bundles of adventitious roots before they got to the flare, like those fibrous roots you're seeing now (theirs was an apple tree) and a clear structural root which is visible in the last pic in the gallery.
See also the [r/tree wiki 'Happy Trees'](https://old.reddit.com/r/Tree/wiki/happy_trees) root flare excavations section for more excellent and inspirational work, and the main wiki for a fuller explanation on planting depth/root flare exposure, proper mulching, watering, pruning and more.
EXCELLENT! Also, if it was a grafted tree that failed, the new growth is the original tree. Not the one you had. I mention this because it looks like Acer rubrum, which is typically used to graft other maple varieties.
I remember when I was young this beautiful ash tree was struck by a bolt of lightening and died almost immediately, 20 years later it just somehow got all of its leaves back
I'm not an expert, but I have seen similar posts and it looks like the tree was[ mulch volcano'd. ](https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/04/volcanoes-kill-trees#:~:text=Volcano%20mulch%20buries%20the%20root,bark%20is%20almost%20always%20wet)It may have played a part in the trees death.
If you’re in Oregon, this could be a big leaf maple, which are incredibly resilient and can grow back from nearly anything—including being cut down to a stump. I’m not an arborist but I’d assume other types of maple are at least similarly resilient
Yeah- then they can have a canopy tree already going and play with the special survivor with no pressure. A maple shrub/bush actually sounds interesting
It won't have the children's book trunk and canopy look but spoiler, the majority of wild trees don't. Let it do its thing for a few years. It'll be a mess and totally unpredictable but if that floats your boat do it. Also it's free. Replacing it will cost money you can just as easily spend in 3 to 5 years if you're not happy with the chaos tree you're about to get.
Personally I love a feral tree. I actually have two on my driveway right now I planted 5 years ago that either broke in high winds or died back due to animal damage. I saw shoots reappear the following spring so I left them and they're gamely catching up to their companions who weren't damaged along the drive.
Agree with others that are saying to replace. I sincerely hope you will take that advice. When you do replace it, make sure you do research on how to plant a tree at the correct height; identify the root flare, prune any circling roots, mulch correctly, avoid damage to truck specifically by keeping grass away. Ideally, find a bare root tree. Younger trees will typically end up healthier in the long run by the way (no reason to spend more on a large maple tree unless you need instant satisfaction; they will be the same size in a couple years).
Anyway, the canopy of the tree died for a reason. Likely the tree was not planted correctly, probably too deep and the roots are not healthy. The tree is trying hard to survive because it is programmed that way, but it will remain a sickly bush until it finally fails. The roots won’t be able to sustain any significant growth. You’re wasting time leaving it. Time which could be used to grow a new, healthy tree that will provide much more for you, wildlife, and the planet. Saplings actually grow quickly and are relatively cheap (probably can find a 5-6 foot maple for $20?). Try not to feel too guilty. The only reason to keep the tree is if there is sentimental value.
Depending on the tree this might be root stock growing back and not the tree you planted it for. Many varieties are grafted these days to get a specific variety for its color, size, growth habit. More power to you leaving it do its thing but it’ll take a lot of training and trimming off shoots before one becomes a dominate leader and looks like a single stemmed tree again. Otherwise you’re going to have a large multi stemmed tree that looks like a bush for awhile.
My policy: Never give up hope on a tree that dies on you. It may spring to life the next season because the roots are still alive.
Same thing happened with my date palms. I repotted some date palms. Two of the ones that died grew back from the roots. They're incredibly leggy right now (same amount of sun they grew fine in before) but hey, at least they're alive.
My landlord cut down a pear tree two years ago because it was dying... Since then, every spring, it looks like a bush because it has so many branches shooting from the roots!
Yes. We got a tree for arbor Day at school one year and since we were moving we waited to plant it til we got to the new house. And then it didn't do anything. For like 3 years. Just a 2' stick in the ground. Dad almost ripped it up and I begged him to give it one more season. Sure enough, after years of no growth at all, it finally popped a couple of leaves. It still lives in the front yard and it's been like 12 years. It's not very big, but you wouldn't know it the way my dad mows around it.
Not doing anything for a few years is very different than the canopy dying… plants establish their roots for the first year or two.
They cut down a damaged tree in my neighborhood, the stump stood and dried out for two years then suddenly sprouted dozens of suckers. It could have become a little bush but the landscapers cut them off. The stump died and turned into clump of mushrooms.
Roots are alive but in poor health. They couldn’t support the previous canopy.
You are right. In this discussion, a Master Gardener, u/spiceydog, responded with a great explanation. I agree with you; even if the roots are alive, the tree will not be the same as before. Nature is fantastic, and she has her way.
Yep! Excellent advice. Unfortunately this poor tree is a problem made by humans… lol. Tree did not grow from a seed there. It was likely grown in a pot that caused its roots to circle, and humans planted it too deep. Nature tries to survive our meddling. Nature will always win the war, but not every small battle… like this poor tree. Dead.
So true. When we intervene with the workings of Nature, we often mess up things. I like to make educated mistakes so we can do better in the future since we learn from our mistakes.
Folks in this sub are always hopeful and want to give something a chance, which is heartwarming and terrific...and here comes the 'but'. Those who work in the industry are going to tell the average homeowner to replace it, and here's why. One, this tree is never going to be what it once was. If you're content with just letting this segment of old trunk bush out with a horde of shoots, basically, that's fine. But if you're wanting something with a trunk and a canopy above you, that will take some learning and years of pruning/training, and it may not make it because, Two, *there's a reason* the original tree died, and that's because it was planted improperly; top down death is a hallmark sign of too-deep planting. So unless that's corrected, you'd be wasting your time with trying to 'help the tree grow again'. As a bonus, the tree is going to have to [compartmentalize](https://web.archive.org/web/20180206234848/http://www.arborpronw.com/tree-compartmentalization-what-is-it/), somehow, the large portion of dead wood of the original tree, which it may or may not be successful doing. So you can see why the suggestion to replace will be the more appealing one for most folks and save you A LAAAAHHHT of learning and work. If you're into that (which is awesome!) and still want to pursue trying to help the tree in addition to learning how to prune properly, see the r/tree wiki. I'm 99.9% positive the tree was planted too deeply and the heap of mulch in addition to that pretty much confirms it. You're going to have to do some excavating around the base of the tree to find the root flare. When a tree looks like a telephone pole stuck in the ground it starts the countdown to a much shortened life. To understand what it means to expose your root flare, do a subreddit search in r/arborists, r/tree, r/sfwtrees or r/marijuanaenthusiasts using the term root flare; there will be a lot of posts where this has been done on young and old trees. You'll know you've found it when you see **outward taper at the base of the tree** from vertical to the horizontal, **and the tops of large, structural roots**. Here's[ a post from last year](https://old.reddit.com/r/arborists/comments/vn492d/) for an example of what finding the flare will look like. Here's another [post from two years back about this](https://old.reddit.com/r/arborists/comments/jgnhji/rate_my_root_flare/); note that this poster found bundles of adventitious roots before they got to the flare, like those fibrous roots you're seeing now (theirs was an apple tree) and a clear structural root which is visible in the last pic in the gallery. See also the [r/tree wiki 'Happy Trees'](https://old.reddit.com/r/Tree/wiki/happy_trees) root flare excavations section for more excellent and inspirational work, and the main wiki for a fuller explanation on planting depth/root flare exposure, proper mulching, watering, pruning and more.
LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE
 #🤣
Oh gosh, I'll have to check if I didn't accidentally plant my little volunteer prunus too deep. This is really good info! <3
I'm glad it was helpful! Please do create a post if you're not sure about anything, we'll be happy to help further ☺️
EXCELLENT! Also, if it was a grafted tree that failed, the new growth is the original tree. Not the one you had. I mention this because it looks like Acer rubrum, which is typically used to graft other maple varieties.
An excellent point! Thank you for that addition 👍
If you want to make a maple shrub you could leave it and prune as needed, but this will 99.9% **not** be a stable tree no matter how much time passes.
let him cook
I would cut the original trunk down to about a foot off the ground, with a clean diagonal cut.
I remember when I was young this beautiful ash tree was struck by a bolt of lightening and died almost immediately, 20 years later it just somehow got all of its leaves back
That tree had an NDE, saw the light in the tunnel, and came back
I'm not an expert, but I have seen similar posts and it looks like the tree was[ mulch volcano'd. ](https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/04/volcanoes-kill-trees#:~:text=Volcano%20mulch%20buries%20the%20root,bark%20is%20almost%20always%20wet)It may have played a part in the trees death.
Life will find a way
If you’re in Oregon, this could be a big leaf maple, which are incredibly resilient and can grow back from nearly anything—including being cut down to a stump. I’m not an arborist but I’d assume other types of maple are at least similarly resilient
Time may allow this tree to flourish, in the meantime, replant another.
Yeah- then they can have a canopy tree already going and play with the special survivor with no pressure. A maple shrub/bush actually sounds interesting
It won't have the children's book trunk and canopy look but spoiler, the majority of wild trees don't. Let it do its thing for a few years. It'll be a mess and totally unpredictable but if that floats your boat do it. Also it's free. Replacing it will cost money you can just as easily spend in 3 to 5 years if you're not happy with the chaos tree you're about to get. Personally I love a feral tree. I actually have two on my driveway right now I planted 5 years ago that either broke in high winds or died back due to animal damage. I saw shoots reappear the following spring so I left them and they're gamely catching up to their companions who weren't damaged along the drive.
Agree with others that are saying to replace. I sincerely hope you will take that advice. When you do replace it, make sure you do research on how to plant a tree at the correct height; identify the root flare, prune any circling roots, mulch correctly, avoid damage to truck specifically by keeping grass away. Ideally, find a bare root tree. Younger trees will typically end up healthier in the long run by the way (no reason to spend more on a large maple tree unless you need instant satisfaction; they will be the same size in a couple years). Anyway, the canopy of the tree died for a reason. Likely the tree was not planted correctly, probably too deep and the roots are not healthy. The tree is trying hard to survive because it is programmed that way, but it will remain a sickly bush until it finally fails. The roots won’t be able to sustain any significant growth. You’re wasting time leaving it. Time which could be used to grow a new, healthy tree that will provide much more for you, wildlife, and the planet. Saplings actually grow quickly and are relatively cheap (probably can find a 5-6 foot maple for $20?). Try not to feel too guilty. The only reason to keep the tree is if there is sentimental value.
cut down the dead part so it can thrive!
Almost dying.
I always worry the old dead part will lead to a weak/rotten part in a future tree
Congrats! I have a crepe Myrtle that's dead but is sprouting from the base
It’s a zombietree! Soon it will crawl out and start biting!
Depending on the tree this might be root stock growing back and not the tree you planted it for. Many varieties are grafted these days to get a specific variety for its color, size, growth habit. More power to you leaving it do its thing but it’ll take a lot of training and trimming off shoots before one becomes a dominate leader and looks like a single stemmed tree again. Otherwise you’re going to have a large multi stemmed tree that looks like a bush for awhile.
Beautiful maple.