This ash tree was planted from a bare root 1 inch caliper liner three years ago. Some wet site tolerant trees, such as the ash pictured above, develop adventitious roots at the base of the trunk in response to low oxygen levels in the soil (Note the standing water in the hole indicating poorly drainage).
The original roots on these tree species can remain alive but grow very little compared to the adventitious roots above. The tree did not grow well after planting but it was not dying back.