Stumps

Stumps are the remains of a tree, shrub, or other plant after the main trunk has been cut or damaged. A stump is typically the portion of the trunk above the ground, with roots still connected to the root system. In many ecosystems, stumps can persist for years, providing microhabitats for fungi, insects, and other organisms, and they may resprout new shoots from the root crown or lower trunk.

Ecology and forestry aspects emphasize that stumps influence nutrient cycling, carbon storage, and habitat structure. Dead or decaying stumps contribute organic matter to the soil and support succession by hosting saprotrophic fungi and beetles. Some stumps regenerate through epicormic growth or root suckers, which can complicate removal in managed forests or landscapes. Stump grinding or removal is a common practice in urban and agricultural settings to eliminate trip hazards, prevent regrowth, and reclaim space for replanting or construction. Chipping or mulching stumps can also recycle wood into mulch or biomass fuel.

In sports, stumps refer to the three vertical posts that form the wicket in cricket and related games. Each stump is tall, with gaps of nine inches between adjacent stumps, and two short bails rest on top to complete the wicket. The arrangement is used to judge dismissals such as bowled or run-out and to determine whether the ball has hit the stumps.

The term stump can also appear in political and rhetorical contexts, where a campaigner travels to multiple locations with a speech, a practice known as going “on the stump.” This usage reflects historical campaigning methods and has entered common language as a metaphor for broad, public outreach.