I’ve planted smoke tree saplings I got on clearance. The branches have fallen off of some of them. Should I give up on the plant

Question

? Thought about transferring to containers with high hopes. Advice?

Answer 1

I wouldn't give up just yet. I'm linking care and pruning information. I would leave them where they are if they are sited well (see article, they like alkaline soil). Then prune the damaged or broken branches to the collar of the trunk and see how they do. You also might try propagating one just in case. See below.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/growing-smoke-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/pruning-smoke-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/smoke-tree-propagation-methods.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/smoke-tree-propagation-methods.htm