Not so dead tree stump?

Question

I had to cut down a white birch last year It was dead or nearly from giant beatles that bore into the limbs.Now I have suckers coming up from the stump. Can I let them grow and what will I end up with? Just a bush or can I get a tree out of it?

Answer 1

take it out... the cut face of the trunk may sprout branches, but  you still have the rest of the cut that will eventually begin to decay and weaken even the base of those sprouts.... plus it's wide open to invasive pests and disease....

Answer 2

Cut it back again and cover it with compost and soil .... then you can plant annuals there.   The constant watering should eventually rot the tree roots.    OR     Cover it with heavy duty plastic and cement blocks.

Answer 3

You can get a tree from it but it will be weak at the base   Shrub I doubt but it will probably be plagued with the beetle again best  thing you can do is have stump removed or you can drill holes in the stump and pour salt in the holes which will kill the root system   Good luck

Answer 4

You can let it grow. Choose a stem or 3 for the trunk.  

And be prepared to spray the borers. They are controlable and will likely be back.  If you keep the tree healthy they will probably not kill it.