Can we see it from further away? I can't even see if it's opposite or alternate.

I think the shrub form is entirely coincidental. Perhaps the growing point was damaged but it's definitely a tree imo.

I'll get a larger view picture today -- it's entirely possible it's a tree that was cut at some point and this is growth back from a stump. And that it's just exceptionally lush this year so I noticed it! We did have ashes in our woods (so it's a possibility for sure) but not many, and we were advised by tree experts not to leave them because of the serious emerald ash borer infestation in CT. So the few large ones we knew of were removed and the woods is primarily hickory, oak and maple at this point. But that could be a stump of an ash (or other tree) growing back in! It's gorgeous, actually... !

There are thousands of ash stumps sprouting new growth in my town thanks to the emerald ash borer. I have to wonder if its even wise to grow these trees anymore. The bugs have made it all the way to California.

Here is a wider view... tried to look at the base but boy, it’s dense. Lots of stems. And lots of poison ivy so I wasn’t properly equipped to prowl around underneath. If the consensus is ash, we’ll take it out rather than invite ash borers!

Look like an ash stump.

UGH. Thanks (I think!) — we’ll remove it. Wouldn’t normally grind a stump in (or one the edge of) our woods but not sure how else to prevent this from growing in every few years!!