Question
I have an emerald ash borer tree, is about 13" in diameter. The tree is infected and beyond treatment ( all the signs are there!). I want to take it down, cut it in small pieces and take it to a field where is going to be burn. Now, I want to plant a new tree - Crimsum King maple -
Q. Can I plant the new tree right beside the EAB stump?
Q. Am I going to encounter many roots of the EAB to cut in order to be able to dig a hole big enough for the new tree.
I am new at this so your advice is much appreciated.

Answer
The root system of a tree is in the first 2 feet of soil and is dense and thins out as you go away from the tree trunk. As a rule the majority of the roots of a 13 inch diameter tree are about 5 - 7 feet from the trunk in a circle around the tree. There are roots that will extend many feet out but these usually do not form a mat of roots.  So plant right beside the old stump will be difficult do to the root mass. I would try out about 5-7 feet and then expect some roots that will need to be cut to dig a new hole. The further away from the trunk the easier to dig. I hope this helps and was what you wanted.