The death knell for many trees is that term "professionally planted." They dig a hole and plop it in, probably too deep, probably root bound from the pot. The plant needs to be soaked and the roots unwound and staked if needed. The excess dirt from the pot (usually extra dirt is added to make it look like the plant has more roots) needs to be pulled back exposing the flare, then plant it in a hole relatively shallow but side so the spread roots will stretch (you may need to peg them in place before covering with dirt).
It's difficult to tell from your photo, but if the trunk is sticking straight out of the soil without a flare at the bottom then it is too deep. Gently pull back the dirt from around the base until you expose the root flare:
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You can safely cut out the dead top of the tree, and one of the lower branches will take over and become the dominant meristem. You don't need to (and shouldn't) paint over the spot where the top is cut off. Leave it exposed.
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sick tree treatment on this maple and I think you'll see it recover from this injury. And be sure not to overcompensate - don't overwater.jpg[/img]
You can safely cut out the dead top of the tree, and one of the lower branches will take over and become the dominant meristem. You don't need to (and shouldn't) paint over the spot where the top is cut off. Leave it exposed.
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