Tree stump facts for kids
A tree stump is the small part of a tree trunk that is left in the ground after the rest of the tree has been cut down. It still has its roots connected to the soil. Stumps are like a tree's diary! They can show us how old a tree was by looking at the rings inside them.
What Can Tree Rings Tell Us?
When you look at a tree stump, you'll often see many circles, or rings. Each ring usually represents one year of the tree's life. By counting these rings, you can find out how old the tree was when it was cut.
Scientists have a special name for studying these tree rings: dendrochronology. It helps them learn about past climates, wildfires, and even historical events. For example, a wide ring means the tree grew a lot that year, probably because there was plenty of rain and good weather. A narrow ring might mean a tough year, like a drought.
How Stumps Can Grow Again
Sometimes, even after a tree is cut down, the stump can surprise us! Some types of trees can sprout new shoots and branches from the stump. These new growths can eventually become new trees.
This natural ability is sometimes used by people on purpose. It's called "coppicing." In coppicing, trees are cut down to a stump, but not removed. This encourages them to grow many new, smaller stems from the base. People have used coppicing for hundreds of years to get wood for fences, tools, or fuel, because the trees grow back quickly.
Images for kids
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Tree stump, about 37 years after felling
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Stump sculpture by German artist Eberhard Bosslet
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A freshly cut tree stump, 2 hours after cutting
See also
In Spanish: Tocón (botánica) para niños
