Bob:

You planted a bare root tree that was not fully dormant, and you may have done it a little late for your climate. There is still a chance the tree will survive, but I would cut it back by at least half of those 5 feet. Next time, start with a dormant tree and try to plant earlier.

The roots have not yet had a chance to really grow after only two months, and they may not be in a position to support any leaf growth. Cutting back the top may reduce the demand on those developing roots.

I don't work with the Sunset system since I don't live in California, but are you in the far northern part of the state where the weather is still cool? If so, that will help.

Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA

I am in Santa Rosa, zone 9. We've just had several days of high seventies. I planted the tree in February. Days were quite cool then; nights often were near or below freezing. Tree was leafed out then with tufts at the end of about eight stems. It's still about the same; maybe a little more tip growth. Buds were brown and dead when I got the tree; I didn't notice that until after I had gotten home and planted it.

Are you sure I should cut the tree back by half? That would remove all its leaves. Aren't the leaves responsible for manufacturing food to allow the tree to grow?

RB

OK, I am confused. If it has green leaves growing, why are you worried about the rest of the buds?

Maybe the roots were trimmed so much (as often happens with bare roots), the leaves that have opened are all that the roots can support at this point. Clearly it is still alive, and it has only been two months, things are probably right where they should be. If you wanted something with more growth than your little bare root tree has, maybe you should take it back and buy a bigger, potted tree?

Carla in Sac