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Shrub like branches growing from stump at edge of woods

Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6)

7 years ago

I just noticed this growing from where a tree fell a few years back. It is very attractive, I would love to leave it as it is but will each branch become hugh and prone to breakage due to being unstable? Thank you for looking and all the good work you do here.

Featured Answer

Smivies (Ontario - 5b)

7 years ago

Box Elder/Manitoba Maple (Acer negundo). Generally an undesirable tree to have in the landscape, especially in zone 6 where there are many better options.

It is weak wooded, usually without a nice form in maturity, and retains its brown samaras (seeds) for much of the winter. When the seeds do drop, they come up everywhere and take over.

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Comments (8)

Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6)
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you smivies, so it is a box elder growing from the stump. It is in the woods, we usually only groom the woods if the trees will grow and become a liability by falling.

I'm trying to ask if a tree growing off a stump is inherently weak and should be cut down to avoid damage to building or person.
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PS here are photos of little Figaro before potting him and pruning off some of the dead wood. I also pruned a small branch to just above a node. I’m hoping this stimulates some growth. Although it would be great to see new top growth, I’m concerned about the lack of lateral roots. I made a couple light scores on the root and applied rooting hormone to him before planting. I didn’t want to rough the root too much, but I figured it might help create side roots. Would watering with weak/very diluted fertilizer encourage root growth? I’ve also heard watering with diluted hydrogen peroxide helps with root formation, aerates the soil, and kills any bad bacteria. If water soluble fertilizer is a bad idea, would compost tea or water with worm castings be an acceptable solution? I won’t do all these things at the same time (would be overkill), but I’d like to hear people’s thoughts on how using some sort of fertilizer might help with root development. Again, I am not as concerned with top growth since I want Figaro to have a good base first. Would love to hear your suggestions!
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cutting back invasives before they leaf out, leaving piles ==>>> as i understand it.. plant a babe ... and put a dead branch over and around it ... its as simple as putting something the deer will trip over ..between it and the plant ... i did an experiment once.. i pounded in 3 6 foot fence posts.. and just twined fishing line around it ... the theory being.. they would not see it.. but be confused by the interference with its ability to get to the young entwined oak ... in other words.. a physical barrier ... using FREE materials already at hand ... ken btw: i use a mustard container filled with undiluted round up .. and apply a minor amount to every cut trunk ... and never get regrowth .... any stump killer would work ... you might like this system.. if you find out.. you are repeatedly cutting back the same stumps ... not many trees/shrubs.. die from cutting back alone ...
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
7 years ago
if its out at the edge of the woods .. away from everything important.. then just leave it ...

watch and learn ..

on the other hand.. maybe you can get something better to grow in that spot.. if so.. kill it ...

thank you

ken
Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6) thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
Smivies (Ontario - 5b)
7 years ago
Box Elder IS inherently weak...Box Elder stump sprouts probably more so. Evaluate the risk (proximity to buildings, is the area frequented by people for extended periods, etc.).
Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6) thanked Smivies (Ontario - 5b)
Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6)
Original Author
7 years ago
ok. it goes. building are probably safe but kids do play in the area from time to time. thank you!! April
albert_135 　 39.17°N 119.76°W 4695ft.
7 years ago
Nit: should it be boxelder, one word? I found this:

Problems

This tree is a host for boxelder bugs, which do
not harm the tree but can be a significant nuisance to homeowners if the
tree is located near the home. Also susceptible to borers. Anthracnose,
powdery mildew and canker are occasional disease problems. Weak-wooded
branches may break in high winds or from the weight of ice/snow,
sometimes severely damaging the shape of the tree.
Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6) thanked albert_135 　 39.17°N 119.76°W 4695ft.
krnuttle
7 years ago
" safe but kids do play in the area from time to time. thank you!! April"

If you like it keep it for a while. A child can get hurt in an empty lawn with nothing around. As for falling they will find something to fall off of regardless of how hard you try to prevent it. They are quite resilient little animals. (Trust me I know I have raised two, and now have two grandsons.)

The branches are not large enough to hurt a child if it falls. The good thing about a tree that is weak, is that long before it gets big enough for a falling branch to hurt a child, the child will probably break the branches off as he is having fun playing in the tree.

Just keep the poison ivy and oak under control.
Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6) thanked krnuttle
Dalton the Bengal (Zone 6)
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you Albert, I am all to well acquainted with the dreaded box elder bug! If it is going to have to come down, it is cheaper to do now rather than 5 years from now... Krnuttle - thanks for the perspective. Can't remove all potential dangers from the world!

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