Insufficient data. Have you had a drought? What have the temperatures been like? Is the root flare buried?

Thank you for the feedback. Im not sure it is a lack of nitrogen. Before I knew otherwise I fed it miracle-gro.

We had a surplus of rain last year but this year drought conditions seem to have returned. Im not sure what the root flare is but I will look online and see if I can figure that out. If it is buried do I dig it up and reposition it? Thank you so much for the advice.

The "root flare" is a little bulge just above where the roots start coming out, sometimes brownish. If the tree was planted properly when you bought it (NOT always the case) it would be right at the soil line or a tiny bit above, It should NOT be covered with dirt, water or mulch.

Most common problems with newly planted trees are:

1.) not enough water

2.) too much water

3.) planted too deep/buried root flare

4.) Pot bound/encircling roots. (Were the roots a solid mass the shape of the pot when you took it out if the pot?)

If I had to guess at random what was wrong with a newly planted tree, I'd guess one of those things. Lack of fertilizer isn't a common problem for newly planted trees.

It could also just be transplant shock. Lots of trees take a while to recover from that.

Look up "interveinal chlorosis", as that is what it has.

Ok so Ive dug down to what I believe is the root flare and it is now exposed. I noticed small roots that are now exposed also. Should I be concerned?

I will also be testing my soil tomorrow to check for deficiencies. I am concerned about harming any beneficial microbes present using potash. Any recommendations in the event Im lacking potassium?

Ideally those root hairs should be buried...but it is better to have the top layer of root hairs uncovered then part of the trunk exposed. Do you remember if the root mass was a solid mass that kept the shape of the pot when you planted it?

Not sure if a full soil test is necessary...although it may be useful if you are planting other things. If you are going to test the soil, test the ph. If the PH is too high you could throw in some iron sulfate.

The root ball was not overly compact and was not growing around the pot as I recall. I planted two of these trees in oct last year. This one has leaves while the other does not. I watered once a month thru winter and started watering once a week last month when the leaves appeared. I also planted an Red Maple October Glory that is not doing anything at all. That is why I am so worried about this one. I purchased some Kelp Meal but will wait to test the soil tomorrow. The tree is in some sort of distress for sure. I noticed a tiny sucker emerging toward the base of the trunk.

Thank you so very much for all of the advice. Ive been really worried and live in a semi-rual area, without a professional to consult.

Check the planting depth of the maple and other dogwood. If you do a soil test, check the ph.

It could just be transplant shock. Every tree is distressed when it is first planted. Lots of trees take a long time to "wake up" their first year. It is early yet.

Scratch the bark of the maple and the other dogwood. You should see a little green. What trees in your yard look happy?

Brad, the soil looks very dry in some of the photos (but not in others). Could this thirsty dogwood just be drying up? Don't water by any schedule-just do it when the soil looks and feels dry to the touch. Also, most soils contain adequate amounts of most nutrients. Is there a known deficiency in your region? Hold off on getting too worked up about not having the right kind of kelp meal, or whether Miracle Grow is even one tiny bit different than the no-name brand sitting next to it on the shelf....and work on basics. Right now, I think-and sure could be wrong-that water could be an issue here.

Oh, and don't worry about some tiny roots being temporarily exposed. Those things are dying and regrowing all the time, all the way through the growing season anyway. Just recover with thin mulch layer when you're done.

So this morning I did a soil test with a Burpee digitial soil tester. It shows the ph of my soil barely above a 7. We have clay soil around here but I added peat moss and manure to the dirt when I planted. The soil feels moist when I stick my finger down in it. There are A LOT of worms when I dig. Im happy to see that.

So now I am very confused. I picked up some Azalea fert this morning and bone meal.Ive read cautions about fertilizing young trees so a bit hesitant.

So this is what the leaves look like as of this morning. Ther are graying and curling up on the edges.

I may have spoken too soon on the maple. Trees are so amazing. Yesterday nothing and this morning I found this

When I bought this house last year there were no trees in the yard which is why I am planting or trying to plant these. Thanks again for all the advice. I do not feel quite as lost.

Yes, that tree is fine. Will soon be completely leafed out. As to the dogwood, if you do not believe it to have been a problem of dry soil, then it might be time to send a leaf sample into a diagnostic laboratory to get a positive id on any pathogen that n=might be present. Not saying there is-just that this would rule it out...or in, as the case may be. You don't have many leaves to sacrifice there. I think if it were me, I'd give it more time.