Approximately 75% of a tree’s root system is in the top 18 inches of soil. That is amazing. The roots of a tree can extend horizontally 3 times the distance of the drip line.

A girdling root is one that circles the base of a tree at or just below the surface. Girdling roots can also girdle other roots but without harm. The most commonly affected species are maples, lindens ...

It won't be easy, since the root systems are pretty tenacious, unless the tree died due to root rot. Do look at the roots when you dig it up to see if there were any drainage problems.

Putting down roots: The evolution of moss and maple trees An invasion of land plants millions of years ago. By MARY F. WILLSON Friday, May 24, 2019 7:00am News Alaska Outdoors ...

Lena said her maple on the side of her Stuart home looks like it is struggling. She reports it bloomed some and set seeds, but many of the branch tips fell off the tree with the seeds still attached.