Question
My wife and I recently planted two crimson maples in the front yard of our new home. one tree went into the ground easily, had a hearty root ball and is now doing well with daily watering.

The other tree's root ball fell apart when the metal lattice and burlap was removed from the ball. We went ahead and planted the tree in wet soil, made sure it had good root-to-soil contact and staked the tree to ensure it wouldn't fall over. This tree's leaves are beginning to brown and the tree appears to be dying. Both trees have been in the ground about one week now.

Are we worrying about the tree too early, or is there something we can do to help it live? These are rare specimens in my area and we just love them both!

We are in Oklahoma, sand/clay soil with good drainage. We have done an initial fertilization with miracle grow tree food. Both trees are in full sun and are being watered daily using a "tree gator" watering system that delivers 10-20 gallons over a 5-8 hour period.

Both trees were planted with the root ball slightly above the soil level, then mulched with pine mulch.

Any help would be appreciated!


Answer
Except for the time of the year you planted the tree sounds like you everything correct. (hardwoods do best planted after the leaves have fallen and up until the tree buds out in the spring). When the rootball fell apart the roots may have dried out some with the hot weather. I would not dive up on the tree yet. Check and see if the branches are still alive-start near the end of an upper outer branch and scrape a small bit of bark off the branch, If the color under the bark is green the tree is still alive, If the color is brown the branch is dead at this point on the branch. If brown continue down the branch scrapping at intervals until you find green or reach the trunk. I would think you will find green meaning the tree is still alive. Continue the watering so the roots will stay alive and grow. If it is still green it will leaf out next spring.
If the majority of the tree is dead I would contact the nursery where you bought it and ask for a replacement. Most nurseries guarantee their trees.