Hi, 

It looks like this is an abiotic issue meaning something to do with its environment as opposed to an insect or disease issue. 

When was it planted - it looks fairly young. Was the burlap removed if it was a balled and burlap tree or roots loosened if it was container grown? What is the planting depth? Can you see the root flare at the bottom? What has the watering pattern been like? What are the soil conditions and drainage? 

We can't tell from the photos if it's dead or just scorched, so you could do a scratch test on the bark, just lightly take your finger nail or some hand pruners or pocket knife and scratch just the surface of the bark to see if it is green underneath. Or you could wait until spring to see if it leafs-out. 

Do you notice any exit holes like from borers or sawdust looking material on the trunk or at at the base?

Feel free to send us photos of the base where the trunk meets the ground as well, or other parts of the plant that look suspicious for indications of damage. 

Emily