Question
Mr. Hyland, I recently had a large HRB planted (25') at my home in the north Georgia mountains on Lake Blue Ridge. Tree was planted in Feb. So far we have just a few buds at the top. Very little bark has returned.  Is this normal? Concerned the tree may be is distress. Rainfall has been regular this spring. Did not supplement water this winter.

Answer
Check the upper outer limbs--start near the end of the branch and scrape a small bit of bark off and if the color under the bark is green the branch is still alive at this point on the branch. If the color is not green (brown) then the branch is dead at this point on the branch. If brown continue down the branch scraping at intervals until you find green or reach the main trunk. Try several branches--the nearer the top the better. If they are not green the tree is dead. Also the small twigs should be flexible and not snap when they are bent. If you find green wait and see if the tree will leaf out.

Most nursery/ landscape folks will guarantee the tree will live for a year after planting. So if it is dead I would call the folks who planted it and ask for a replacement.