Brown leaves on Japanese Pencil Holly

I planted two Japanese Pencil Holly into our landscape about six weeks ago. They seemed to be doing well at first, even though it was exceptionally hot and dry for the first four weeks. I watered them ever every day, but now the inside branches are dry and almost dead looking. They have brown leaves that fall off to the touch. The outer surface branches and leaves are healthy looking. Did I not give them enough water? Do I prune out the dead looking parts? I hate to lose them. They were extremely healthy and about 4ft. tall when we planted. Any help would be appreciated!