Shipped Arapaho Crepe Myrtle Arrived As Root Ball With Just Brown Twigs

Question From: H. Mora - Vero Beach, Florida, United States
Q: We received an Arapaho crape myrtle from North Carolina in the mail on Thursday (we live in Florida) and planted it on Saturday. It was just brown twigs with a root ball out of the box, no leaves, about 3-1/2 feet tall. To us it looks dead. Is this what this tree should look like at this stage?

A: I would call the company you bought it from ASAP for advice. Explain the condition it was in when you received it. It may be in a dormant state, hence no leaves, but I don't know that is the case. If you have hopes getting a refund if there is a problem you need to contact the company now. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.