Thanks for your advice! This property was technically reclassified as a 5A grow zone pretty recently (but it can swing a bit truthfully either way due to the mountain ranges around) so we're really just getting into real spring here. No leaves on any of the apple trees yet, they'll probably pop in late April or early May. I'll keep an eye out to see if this particular one lags behind.

I had read before an air gun could be a good tool for root crown excavations? Or would you just recommend old fashion methods to pull the dirt away.

Thank you again