Brandywine Crabapple Tree Has Finished Blooming But Is Not Leafing Out

Question From: R. Howard - Meridian, Idaho, United States
Q: I have a newly planted Brandywine crabapple tree that just finished blooming, however it is not leafing out. It has some small leaves coming out but some are also brownish looking. The tree looks very bare.

A: Be patient and be sure to keep the rootball watered so it stays consistently moist but not sodden. There is no magic elixir, including fertilizers that I can recommend. Best Nancy