Question
June 24 our landscaper planted a 15' red oak tree. We are in the Dallas, Ft. Worth, Texas Area. We watered daily. Temperature in most of July and August was 100-103 degree.The leaves turned yellow/orange as if dying. There is some new growth on several branches. What can we do to save the tree? Or should we replace the tree and the best time to replace.  Many Thanks

Answer
I answered this question on 08/12/09 Here was my answer

This is the worst time to plant trees due to the heat and the usually drier weather. You will normally get some die back from the stress of planting and during this time of the year this is emphasized. I would set up a watering method of deep watering--place a pan under the trees and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop. Do this every third day for a month then every fourth day until the cooler weather sets in. Also if you have nor done so mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch (pine straw is good) not piled up on the trunks. This will help hold moisture around the roots.
Oaks tend to die back when they are first planted. The root system can not support the water needs of the foliage so the tree sheds some foliage. I would use the water method and also tell the landscaper and ask if the trees were guaranteed to live. IF it dies call the landscaper and ask for a new tree to be planted in the Fall after leave drop or the early spring.