Stunted trees, cut down or wait for new growth?

[Don G]

Of all the trees I have planted in the past 2-3 years, most have made it through the drought and our crazy Texas weather. I have two, though, that appear dead, dried up leaves and no new growth or buds since last Fall. One is a Ginko and the other a Golden Rain tree. They are both in full sun, two different areas and both about a year old. Interestingly, both trees have one small green stem protruding from the trunk, right at ground level. The rest of the tree appears dead. The new growth is not a weed, it is part of the tree trunk, and I'm thinking the roots must then be alive, even if the trunk and limbs appear dead. I've fertilized organically and sprayed both with Garrett juice. Here's the question: Do I keep the trees and see if the new growth will eventually become a new trunk, or remove them? Years ago I had a similar situation and kept the tree, and it seemed to grow faster then originally, due to the roots already being established, seemed the tree could dedicate all of it's growing energy to the stem. Any thoughts please share.
Don

[Tony M]

I can't see the tree but the point where the new shoot emerges from the old trunk is usually a weak union. If these were not part of a visible urban landscape I would let them go and see what happens.
Tony M

[The Ent]

I'd try wait and see too if they're not central to the landscape.

Also, how certain are you of the upper reaches beaing dead? Have experimentally pruned back and back finding only dead wood on multiple limbs?

[Don G]

I haven't pruned any branches, but have scratched the skin on many branches and the trunk and believe it is dead. It still has the same dead leaves on it as it did last fall; they never fell off during last winter, and no new leaves replaced them this Spring, except the one shoot at ground level. The tree is not in a real visible area, and I'll let it go until next winter and see what happens.

One other question, though...

This spring I also planted a Big Tooth Maple in mostly full sun, but does get shade the last few hours before sunset, so some respite from the heat. This tree has a lot of dead leaves, and I have been watering it properly, I think (deeply but only when the soil has dried out, when I put a finger through the mulch and it is dry). Heres my question: I thought it was as bad to water too frequently as it is to under water, but the organic nursery I patronize has advised me to water this tree daily and said thats what they do in the hot summer months? I'm kind of at a loss now as to what is proper watering for summer, deep and once a week or when dry, daily, what?
Don