I moved my Japanese Maple tree from a pot and planted it in my garden over a year ago. Since the leaves shriveled and died the tree seems to also have dried out and is not producing new buds, has it died completely or can it be saved? I have posted pics below.
From the bark color, I will guess that the tree has completely died. Do a scratch test, but I'm pretty sure it's dead at least from the ground up. I'm guessing it died from a root infection. Check the roots. I would expect the bark to be black/dark and peeling.
Next time, try not to let the soil stay wet right after planting. Slightly moist to the touch, but not wet, for a month or so of growth. This will allow the roots to adjust to the heavier garden soil without harm.
Break a branch off the tree. If the inside is a brown color, it's dead. If it's a whiteish-green it's alive. Please remember, unless you live in a coastal warm state, deciduous plants and trees looks dead in the winter time. Do not think it's dead until you break a branch. It may surprise you this spring.
