Transplanted Crabapple Tree Lost All Of Its Leaves

Question From: G. Cross - Lee's Summit, Missouri, United States
Q: Have new 10ft. Crabapple tree planted by a nursery that had bare branches with a puff of leaves at the ends when it was planted. Also planted 2 maples close by with lots of leaves and they are fine. More leaves grew on crabapple on ends of the branches only. In July all the leaves disappeared. Nursery said it had been too rainy and transplant shock. Didn't think we had that much rain. Maples are just fine. A month later some grew back only to disappear again. This time I looked closely and seemed leaves had been eaten away leaving some of the leaf stem. We sprayed. Some leaves sprouted to be eaten again late August. Now I see small fine cobwebs wrapped around base of eaten off leaves. Help!

A: Trees make their own food via photosynthesis, hence with no leaves, they starve. I don't think there is anything to be done for your poor tree. It was in bad shape when it was planted, get your money back. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy