Brentlent - I remove the basket with wire cutters once the tree is in the hole before backfilling. I also back fill with what came out of the hole - no amendments, only a root enhancing fertilizer, such as ROOTS. Also, since my area is mostly clay, I will only plant trees grown in clay. Why? Dig a hole in clay, fill with topsoil, peat, whatever. Check it once a week and see how much water is in the hole. Water will migrate fron the surrounding clay soil into the hole where the topsoil/peat is because it is the path of least resistance. Most folks water the trees after install, but the water will not migrate to the surrounding clay soil. It will sit there and rot the tree roots. I find over watering to be an issue when replacing trees, and I suspect that may have been what happened in your case, although I can't be sure because I don't know what type soil you have. I agree with your views on markup for replacement. In fact, I offer a LIFETIME warranty on plants that I install and have yet to have anyone ask for a replacement. The money in the "fund" provides me with a healthy bonus at year's end. Good luck!