Thanks for the follow up. Not buds, at least I don't think so. No leaves or stems coming from them. They seem more like growths of some sort. Light brown in color and like clumps. They remind me of chocolate "turtles". They are "woody" and if I pick a little bit at them, they are greenish inside. I have taken some pictures but am not sure how to post them. I will try and find out how to post the pictures here and put them up. Thanks again.

Sadly, I agree that it is Rhamnus cathartica. Really tough invasive to get rid of. They laugh at being cut to the ground. I've read a great article (with positive results) on the non-chemical removal means they note in this data sheet: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/natural_resources/invasives/terrestrialplants/woodyplants/buckthorn_what_you_should_know.pdf

actually ... if you start at a tip ... and study the bark back toward the trunk ... you should be able to see the different years of growth ... it changes as it ages ... it might be minor.. and you may not notice.. but if you look closely.. you can usually see it ... it will fill out.. when its darn well ready to.. lol ... keep in mind.. roots are said to be twice the tree you see above ground... and it will be fully established .... when it grows those roots ... and in the mean time ... well .. we cant see it.. so we cant prdict much at all .. frankly.. the tree looks great .. perhaps its only problem.. is your expectations ... ken ps: is the only water its gotten since planting.. from that weep hose??? .. or whatever it is ... to properly water a tree of that size.. you would have to drown the other plants ... to get the water down into the root zone .... it shows no lack of proper watering.. but perhaps it could have used some more DEEP watering .... who knows.. patience grasshopper ....

Thanks for offering a bit of hope Ken. The branches are still pliable so that might be a good sign. I’ll move on to plan B for where to plant new hostas...twigs not providing enough shade :(