u/Ecosure11

Thirty six years ago we purchase a wooded lot to build our house. It was pretty dense so we hadn't a clue of what trees were there. Once the lot was cleared minimally to just create room to build, we saw they had saved a mature dogwood tree. It was perfectly positioned to create a really nice natural area right by the house around it. The first few years it struggled a bit but it has been overall healthy, apart from increased pruning as it declined. This year about half tthe limbs failed to come out after winter. It just seems its time is just about up. So, are we better taking the tree out immediately and replanting, or can we plant somewhat close to the old tree and get established for a year or two? Also, should we try to burn out the stump after a year to try to accelerate decomposition and create more space for new roots?