We transplanted two pine trees from North Carolina about a year ago. They were about a foot tall at the time. One took off growing and is now about 3 feet tall but a trash can was put over it recently to protect from limbs being cut near by. It seems to have damaged the tree because the top six inches is turning brown. Any ideas about what to do?

Also the smaller tree has not grown any but looks heathy enough. I pulled some dirt away from the trunk in case I covered it up to much when it was planted. It's too soon to see if it has helped any. Any suggestions?

Thanks.