The project is still alive. Barely, but alive.
Sequoias keep dying after they grow above 6 feet. Some survive the loss of the top and major branches and re-sprout in the spring.
Some are less lucky and never return to life.
Since growing sequoias is not going all that great in Iowa, I decided to experiment with growing sequoia bonsais. The idea is to keep them in a greenhouse over winter and let them grow in pots in the garden when it's not as cold.
As a side hobby, I am now doing bonsai pots for sequoias.