Santa Rosa Japanese Plum Tree

Question

About two weeks ago, I planted a Santa Rosa Japanese plum tree in my backyard. I am concerned because the leaves look droopy/wilted. I have been watering it every day and don’t know if I have perhaps over watered or under watered it (the soil feels moist but the leaves look and feel dry). I also noticed that some of the leaves have small tiny holes on them and don’t know if it may be a disease that is causing the droopiness (I tried not watering it for two days and it looks like it got worse). I live in the high desert area of southern California, but the weather so far has been very cool, windy and even cloudy. I know that these trees grow fine here, as have heard of them and I was told by the nursery that they only bring plants that can.

Answer 1

It sounds like it is in transplant shock. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm

It is also possible that there are air pockets in the soil that are affecting the roots. I would step firmly on the soil around the tree to help collapse any air pockets. Flood the area with water to help fill them in. Up its watering as well. It may also have a fungus disease, so I would treat the plant with a fungicide.