stump

A stump is the remainder of a tree or shrub after the main above-ground portion has been removed or fallen. It is typically a short, often irregular trunk with exposed roots at or near the soil surface. The term can also refer to the base portion left in place after cutting or clearing vegetation. In forestry and landscaping, stumps may be left for environmental or aesthetic reasons or removed for safety, access, or new planting.

Physically, a stump may vary in size and shape depending on the species and the method of removal. Many stumps carry root systems that extend well beyond the visible portion, and the wood can range from solid and durable to soft and decaying. Some species can sprout new shoots from the stump, a process exploited in coppicing and other sustainable forest management practices.

Ecologically, stumps play a role as habitats for fungi, lichens, mosses, insects, and other organisms. As they decay, they contribute to soil structure and nutrient cycling and provide microhabitats in forests, yards, and urban landscapes. The decay rate of a stump depends on wood density, moisture, temperature, and exposure to pathogens and decomposers.

Human interaction with stumps includes removal and utilization. Stumps can be ground down with a stump grinder, chemically treated to stop regrowth, or physically removed by excavation. Alternatively, some stumps are retained for decorative purposes, habitat value, or to support new growth through controlled coppicing.

In sports and language, stump has additional meanings. In cricket, a stumping is a dismissal by the wicketkeeper removing the bails while the batsman is out of his crease; the term stumps refers to the three vertical posts that form the wicket. To stump someone means to perplex or baffle them.