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Looks like in need of water. Why it is planted above the ground level?

it's been getting a lot of water every day, that is just the reservoir of soil on top

Planting a tree in July can be expected to result in transplant shock. I don't see a Gator bag in your photo.

damn, I had never even heard it seen a gator bag around here, interesting. I'm sure it's shock, just weird because parts of the tree seem to be doing well while others struggle. hopefully the little red buds spring life and I can stop worrying

I can’t imagine that it wouldn’t be stressed right now, with the heat and being newly transplanted. Just keep it watered, but know it’s most likely going to limp along until next year. Don’t panic, that’s normal. Not sure where you are, but our heat index yesterday (N Texas) was 107.