A living stump is created when a live tree is cut, burned, eaten, or infected, causing its cambium to die above the root system. Living stumps are generally characterized as having a thin outer layer of living cells that surround a hollow central cavity. Living stumps can survive for several years by * using excess carbon reserves, * transfer of nutrients from the roots of neighbouring trees, often aided by mycorrhiza or * root grafting to the root system of living trees.