Hi, I am in Frisco. I would be returning that tree. I don't think that there is much life in it. I planted one from Calloways 2 years ago, that flowered then shriveled up & died. The manager at the store told me that they had some that had done the same at the store. I hope that you can get a good replacement.

I cant tell if they will live but their chances are good if you follow ”best practices” besed on recent research and not outdated popular wisdom. i

1. unless the tree was potted too deep originally, fhe top of the root ball shoild be level with surrounding soil

2 NO fertilizer in planting hole.

3. thats the same as NO fertilizer now. you want to

promote root growth the first years ,not push leaf production

Theres no evidence that trees and shrubs need annual feeding. that

bothers a lot of people who want togive their ”woodies” good

love but generally isnt necessary in ordinary growing conditions

4. make a ”saucer” about 2 feet wide Round the trunk to hold water

you or nature provide . Mulch several inches deep.

5. learn how to tell when your soil is dry by learning about your soil.

is it free draining, clay, or what? Overwatering kills faster than underwatering

7. remove the guy wires at the end of the first season so tree roots develop

strength to hold the tree up without human intervention

6 if youhave rabbits consider installing chicken wire collar at base of tree

esoecially in winter

Sorry for so many typos. im strugglingwith this tablet!

I don't think I've ever seen a tree with so many ties attaching it to one stake!

That tree will never stand on its own imo. Or are red buds somehow different in that way.

Properly staking a young tree is essential to its development and growth.

Thank you Marie Tulin for providing me with the best practice guidelines for caring for my trees💕. I will follow these and keep my fingers crossed!