Just got a young Autumn Blaze and it's seems the leader has been cut. Is this ok or am I gonna get a bush?

That's sad. Did you buy it that way? I would request a new tree, one with an intact leader.

Definitely ask for a new tree or a refund. Even the other possible branch that could work as a leader has been cut off.

It looks as though someone mistook it for a fruit tree.

Lucy68 said: That's sad. Did you buy it that way?

Or did a landscape guy do that?

That's a straight mess... Nothing about any of those cuts is appropriate for any tree or shrub.

If the nursery brought that plant out and put it in the ground while you were at work... I'd request they take it back.

If it was done by the turf crew... I'd fire them.

As far as attempting to salvage?


Maybe cut as shown...

You never want to leave long stubs with nothing growing on them...

Not real sure its worth trying to fix...
And... I'm sure that was an expensive purchase...

Edit:
In looking at this tree some more... I see that the new growth is growing where tree was previously limbed back at the nursery...

This tree isn't viable... I'd suggest attempting to get my money back.