The leaves do look like Magnolia! Maybe you could improve its appearance by sawing off the branches/trunk abovve the new growth.

Thank you Spritzhenry. I didn't know if magnolias were grafted onto something else and wonmdered if that was what was sprouting but I am glad it is still a magnolia. I miss it since it was chopped down. Dave regrets doing it now.

No - it should regrow OK now it's started to sprout. My only concern would be if the weather turns really cold - especially frosts or chilly winds - the new leaves may get damaged. Fingers crossed!

Magnolias are usually grafted fairly low, so I would remove any sprouts less than 15 cm from the ground.

And I would chain your husband to the stump for at least one day and pelt him with rotten tomatoes or eggs for being an impetuous numpty! ;-)

LOL Fractal