Question
QUESTION: I transplanted a Hickory tree and it died. Now I have new shoots coming from around the base of the old trunk. I want to let one of these grow into a tree and cut off the other ones. Is that ok? What should I do with the dead trunk? Can I just cut it down being carefully to not damage the new shoot? Do I just keep the healthiest shoot and cut the rest off?

ANSWER: Hi Al,
Thanx for your question.  It sounds to me like the tree did not die completely and is sending up new growth.  Let the shoots develop until one is clearly the strongest, most robust and then you can trim back the others.  I'd leave the trunk alone for a while until the shoot develops into a very strong sapling, say in a couple of years.  I hope this helps.
Tom

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QUESTION: I looked at my tree today and some of the shoots are coming out of the bottom of the dead trunk itself. The other ones are coming out of the ground. I would think that the shoots coming out of the ground will have a stronger trunk than the ones coming out of the dead trunk. all the new growth is on the bottom 6" of the trunk. The dead part of the tree is about 15 feet tall. I was going to cut the dead part off about 6 feet tall then use it to tether the sapling to. What do you think?

Answer
Hi Al,
Thanx for your question.  Yes, I'm inclined to agree that if the tree is 15 feet tall, it will be beneficial to cut it down to 6 feet.  I didn't realize the tree was that tall.  I guess I misunderstood you and thought it was in stump form.  A dead 15 foot tall tree could pose a safety hazard so yes, I would cut it down.  Like I said before, I would pick the healthiest, hardiest of the saplings and then encourage that one but the ultimate choice is up to you.  The ones coming out of the old trunk are basically going to produce a whole new growing stucture.  If you feel more comfortable with the other shoots then I would do that.  I think  it doesn't matter either way as long as you get a healthy shoot.  I hope this helps.
Tom