Different Trees Growing from same Stump

[s78wingrider]

I know I've seen this before, worked as a lumberjack several years, but these three set of trees are within 50 yards of each other, is that unusual? Aaron

 

[Furu]

Not that familiar with your area and the hardwoods that you have and how they grow.
In the northwest, we have several Thuja plicata (Western-red-cedar (WRC)) that grow just like that as well as Acer macrophyllum (Bigleaf maple) that can frequently be found growing like that as well.
Quite common if proper management and thinning practices have not taken place in the past to develop the best saw logs for the future.

 

[NS Gearhead]

I just took down a spruce with an oak growing out the side of it this summer. I thought it was pretty cool.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I see sweet gums growing in the nooks of pine trees. If I left them, they would end up looking just like your photo. All it take is a seed from one tree landing up against the base of a tree and let it take root. Over time, they will grow together. I have a fruit salad tree that I bought that has 3-4 different trees grafted to one main trunk, manmade so anything man could do, nature might also accomplish