We planted a redbud about a week ago, and it just hasn't been doing well. The leaves are looking wilted, even though we've watered and it has rained. I know that trees should be planted before they have leaves, but we couldn't do that then, so what can we do now to help the poor thing out?
We're in zone 8, by the way - Eastern North Carolina.
Thanks!
G.

Think you've probably answered your own question! :O It's unfortunate you weren't able to plant when it was dormant, as you said. (And I'm sure you experienced that heat wave last week, too......which didn't help any). It's under stress cause it's pushin new growth and now has leaves to "nurture". It also has to generate enough strength to keep existing roots alive & establish new ones in new soil........WHEW!! Poor thing's exhausted!! If it was "balled & burlap", it may take a little longer to come 'round, rather than a container- grown tree.

Not much you can do now, but keep up the watering (make sure not to drown it, or roots will suffocate), mulch and don't fertilize. It's still too weak to process food. Just like a sick person, only give it liquids till it's stronger and can digest "solid" foods. It may loose some leaves. Be patient and (again, just like sick human) once it's passed its "crisis" (and we don't get hit with another scortcher) it should make it. Good Luck!!

gardenz

Thank you for the advice, gardenz, we'll try to be patient and nurse the poor thing back to health (it was, of course, balled and burlaped).
Thanks again!
G.