QuestionI've had this tree for about 3 years, and it was growing beautifully until either kids, or a deer broke it clear down to the trunk. There is only about 4 or 5 inches of the trunk left. Should I leave it alone to see if it will grow back or is that hopeless?
Answer think you are saying the tree was broken entirely off and no branches with leaves are left (a picture would help).
IF so remove any broken part that maybe still attached unless they still have green leaves. Hardwood trees have the capability of sprouting new growth from the root system. Your tree has a well established root system and will sprout new growth. You should see some this year and more next spring. It will grow several shoots and just let the grow until one starts to become a little taller than the other. This will be the new top of the tree---at that time you can prune off the other sprouts and leaving one main stem to become the new tree.
IF there is still green leaves on some of the broken but still attache branches I would let them continue to grow but remove any dead branches.
The tree will look like a bush for most of next growing season but over time will grow into a tree shape again,.
