Question
Hello..we planted a fruiting mulberry tree last August(2010) It seemed to be doing fine. I was concerned that it did not survive the winter..( I live in Nova Scotia, Canada.) This spring, we finally saw some new growth on it..small buds that grew into leaves..just this past week, all of the leaves seemed to have died..they are a brown color..the trunk and branches haven't changed..just the leaves..my sister pruned it before the buds grew into leaves..she only cut off what appeared to be dead branches ( mostly tips)..did she damage the tree? It seemed to be doing fine. I would appreciate any information you could give me..Thank You

Answer
Norma:
Removing the dead portions should not impact the overall health of the tree.  The browning of the new leaves may indicate that the tree may be under some level of stress. Determining the source of stress may require some detective work such as seeing the tree in person. Temperature and/or moisture extremes can often be a source of this stress. Using you fingernail, scratch a small area on several smaller twigs near their ends. Look for a green color beneath the bark.  A brown color will indicate dead or dying tissue beneath. Do the "scratch" test in several places. This will give you an idea of the status.  If August was hot and dry where you are, then this may be an added stress as well.  Usually best to plant trees during the dormant season and until maybe March.  This helps reduce "transplant shock".

Regards

Steve