Purple Redbud Dead on Delivery?

[tusharriv]

Hello everyone. I am new to the forum, but it looks like a great place that will be very helpful with a bunch of things. We purchased a purple redbud and had it installed on July 1. We are in central Indiana. The nursery we purchased it from did the installation. Overall, the tree looked healthy enough when we purchased it even though it didn't have that many leaves for how large it was. We purchased an elm at the same time that is doing great. The redbud quickly deteriorated. I attempted to keep the moisture levels proper and knew it would be dealing with transplant shock issues, but it all went so fast. About August 15 or so, it looked mostly dead. The leaves have all shriveled up, and many have fallen off. It looks like it is in the middle of winter. I did a scrape test in a few places, and underneath it feels slightly moist with a slight purple twinge of color. There are a few places on the trunk where bark has fallen off. The nursery will not accept any responsibility for this saying that I probably overwatered the tree (even though I followed their guidelines). So, is this something I did with watering? There is a treebag in one picture, but we only had that on for a short period when we were away from home on vacation. Was the tree sick when it was delivered? Was it not planted properly (I contend that it was planted too low in heavy clay soil), or is it just bad luck? Is there a chance that this tree could bounce back in the Spring magically, or should I move on at this point? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[D x D]

The pictures didn't come through, but without them the best advice I can give is don't ever use that nursery again. I cannot fathom them not guaranteeing their product for at least a year - especially if they plant it.

 

[JeffGu]

Likewise, I am surprised they didn't bring another one out. I'd be calling the Better Business Bureau, at the very least.

 

[JD3000]

Lousy situation. Good luck.

One piece of advice I can give you is that redbuds are very sensitive to lawncare herbicides such as 2,4-D. If your lawn is highly maintained, consider switching to another species.

 

[tc262]

I don't transplant many trees but isn't the middle of summer the absolute worst time to transplant? I only transplant in the fall and spring.

 

[flyingsquirrel25]

I am always wary of planting in summer for several reasons. 1) it's always hot in our market in the summer. It is very harsh on newly planted trees and difficult to keep up with proper watering. 2) it only takes a minor mistake with watering to stress the plant to failure. Soil moisture is so important, and by the time you see wilting it's too late. 3) nurseries are picked over by then and I have a hard time finding quality materials. The same goes for fall sales, these plants have been sitting in the nursery all summer and much of the stock is crap. If a client requests it, I try to recommend fall or spring but if they insist there is no warranty, period. Mainly because I offer the proper timing but they don't want to wait.
As for your particular situation, I would look at what their 1 year warranty covers and does not. If the plant is not planted correctly take photos and use them with management. But it sounds like they have made their decision already.
Good luck, try to keep us up to date with progress