Spotsylvania Tree Stump, May 1864: This shattered, bullet-riddled stump was all that remained of an oak tree felled by rifle fire. (Photo courtesy of Hugh Talman, Smithsonian National Museum of ...

When done right, the stump will die within two to three months. Here’s a fun tree fact to keep in mind going forward: Pale wood typically still has life left, while dark and brittle wood is dead.

The oak tree on Cedar Street was growing on its side and the way it encroached the home became dangerous. When he looked at the stump, Sievert said the shape looked like a whale coming out of the ...