SNIP
It's like the stump grew up around
a post, and someone pulled the post. ;-)
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Hmm...I've got a Chinese Elm that has had the post removed. This was
discovered during it's initial repot about 4 inches below the soil surface.
Maybe I'll watch your pictures and find out what to do with the area I have
currently partially buried; raising it up as the roots grow and develop
underneath.

--
Denise Hurd a.k.a. the Bride
Central CA - Sunset Zone 8-USDA Zone 9