Are my tree saplings ok?

[ElspethBoomingHowsen]

Bought 5 tree saplings in February. Both apples and the pear have come to life and been in blossom since early April. The cherry and plum have done nothing. I’ve gently scratched the bark and they are green underneath but the cherry in particular looks brittle.

are they just slow to come to bud or have they failed?

Anybody?

Can you post some pics of them OP?

I would expect both to be in leaf by now, not necessarily to have had any blossom. Transplanted trees can go into shock and shut down for a while. This does not men that they’re dead, just gathering their strength. Make sure they are well watered frequently and wait to see what happens.

Where did you get them from?
Bare root or in a pot?
Did you plant them in the ground, or pot them on or done anything?
Did they get a late frost?
Have they got leaves or nothing at all?

They were bare root. 5 trees from the garden centre. They are in pots and 3 look great. The other two (both smaller) are still dormant. They are in full sun most of the day and well watered. Time will tell I guess!

I'd move the sickly ones into partial shade, and keep your fingers crossed.

Trees need leaves in order to photosynthesise, which will give them the energy to grow new roots, and with no leaves they will just be surviving. Don't put them under the additional stress of full sun.

I’ve moved them to the side of the summer house this morning. It’s dappled sun under there. Time will tell I guess!

Are you leaving them in pots? Anything beyond a summer bedding plant needs to be planted in my garden, I can’t keep potted trees.