Hi Lisa, thanks for feedback. I am in the DFW area, it has hovered around upper 90s-100 last several weeks. Everything was planted in early June, probably not ideal. We do have quite a bit of clay in our area. One plant completely died a couple weeks ago so I removed and planted another. I noticed when I removed the dead one, there was a pool of water in the hole it came out of.

i will take pics later this evening when I get home.

So I'm not the best person to answer your question- SA landscaping is quite a bit different than Dallas. Can I make a couple suggestions though?

If the hole had water in it when you took the dead plant out, it means it doesn't have proper drainage. I think the Dallas area is more likely to have clay than rock, right? This is where others can be more helpful. If it doesn't drain and the roots sit in water, the plant doesn't get oxygen and will die. Adding compost and other amendments helps, but takes time to break down.

I know you're anxious to get the landscaping to look as nice as your new place does, but I would recommend stepping back, reassessing, learning what works best in your area as well as the best time to plant. A good nursery, the local extension office, local gardening clubs are all good places to check out. You're likely to waste a lot of time, energy, and money if you try and replace the things that die right now.

Just my two cents- worth about that much. Maybe some others from the DFW area have more specific suggestions.

HTH- Lisa

Travis, can you name the plants/trees planted? I'm west of you and have clay, but it's not gumbo, and drains ok. I have enough caliche to help with that issue. Also, my soil is alkaline, and yours is more acidic ... some plants are ok in either, some aren't.

It is challenging in our soils and heat to find the perfect watering balance. I just planted several perennials recently, and have been watering them every 3rd day. How often are you watering? Sprinkler system or holding a hose? Full sun, shade, or mixture?

As Lisa said, finding a good, established, local nursery can be very helpful with advice for your specific conditions. And a lot of it is just going to be experimenting and trial and error.

For annuals and perennials, I amend the soil in the bed when I plant. I work in compost and good soil. And then mulch, of course. Working in organic materials is very helpful for bedding plants. Before watering, stick your finger or a stick, etc, down around the plant to see if it's dry.

Did the builder do all the plantings before you moved in?

Thank you all for your help. I am certainly not a plant expert. I was told the tree is a red oak, but wouldn't know the difference. The builder planted everything. They all get full sun after about mid-day. I was watering every day with a sprinkler system, up until a couple days ago, afraid I was watering too much. I have taken a couple pictures, I hope this helps.

I'd dig a few inches into the soil. Does it feel moist? Then don't water. It's that simple. Don't make the mistake of watering by the clock or by the calendar. Water by your finger.

If you have water standing, you're watering too much. Generally water deeply once or twice a week. Like Dan says, stick your finger in the dirt. You might be watering the right amount and it's transplant shock. Just give it time. Also, I don't think that's an oak.

Agree the first is not an oak - more likely Chinese Pistache.