Question
In August of 2011, we planted a 17 ft. purple birch tree as instructed by the owner of a garden center.  We were told to dig a hole 6 ft. wide and deep enough so as the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding ground.  We were also told to remove the burlap from the root ball but keep the cage intact and bury it with the tree.  The tree itself appeared healthy and strong when purchased but was aggressively rolled off the truck when delivered and dragged by its trunk to the place of planting.  The soil type is clay but was removed when the hole was dug and replaced with triple mix.  Three days after planting, all leaves turned downward and within a week, dropped to the ground.  We watered it frequently for the first month as instructed (until water sits on surface with slow drainage) and then 2 to 3 days a week thereafter.  Now, April 2012, the tree has buds but It looks unhealthy, lackluster.  It does not appear to have the brilliance it had when we first came upon it at the garden center.  We realize that we were instructed wrongly when told to bury the cage with the tree.  We did give it bone meal and this year some iron.  Should we somehow remove the cage?  What should we do?

Answer
No removing the wire now will do too much damage to any roots that have. grown. I would back off on the water and once a week is plenty unless it rains and then skip a week. Hardwood trees seem to put most of their energy into growing a root system the first couple of years after planted. I would just let it grow--lay off the water and fertilizer and it should regain foliage.  You may get some dieback if the amount of foliage can not be supported by the roots system but as the roots grow the foliage should increase. IF you have not done so I would mulck around the tree with an organic mulch not more than 3inches deep and not piled up on the trunk (pine straw is good). This will help hold moisture around the roots.