Maybe he didn't like that tree.Not as bad as the tree I planted over my stepF has died. How do you replace that ? If I dig in the same hole I will be digging him up.
Cut the tree off and plant something near.Or put some spring bulbs in maybe. Don't have to go deep.

You can't can't cut the dead tree down either. 
Hubs made it rain!!! He just walked up back to continue cutting up some brush.
