No leaves on 5 ft redbud tree planted last fall

Question

My red bud tree is planted in a flooded area last fall. I raised the planting area and allowed half of the roots about the water leave and placed soil and mulch over the root. Now there is only the bare trunk and no leaves. Reason why please?

Answer 1

From you description of flooding, my guess would be that your tree drowned. As it states in this article https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/redbud/caring-for-redbud-trees.htm
redbuds like well-drained soil. If the tree is not dead, I would recommend replanting it in a spot that won't flood. To find out if it's dead, gently scrape away some bark on trunk and branches. If you find green tissue, the tree has some life in it, and might be worth saving.