The drought (and other factors) of the past 7 or 8 years has led to the loss of many noble trees. There are places in the southern states of USA that, if you go for walks in your neighborhood or local parks, you're likely to discover a number of tree stumps that remain, their roots still evident around them.

Many folks have had tree stumps removed, and many have let them be. Recently, we've come to see that the stumps that remain still have living roots. New sprouts shoot from the bark of the remaining trunk, or from the area around the tree. Since some species of tree suffered more than others in drought conditions, they've become scarce. New sprouts off the remaining trunk, if not cut back by mowers or clippers, can keep the tree alive for many years to come, and help maintain the existence of the species.

I've seen rows of stumps lined up that as trees, served in the past as a windbreak. If the trunks are watered during dry spells, and the shoots are permitted to develop, within a year, one might have a handsome hedgerow.

Some have been left alone long enough that if not examined closely, already have wonderfully recovered, leafy branches masking the severed original trunk. They provide shade, and nests for the birds and squirrels, and nuts, fruit, acorns or beautiful blooms.