m5eaygeoff wrote: Quite right, but it could survive with a lot of TLC

quite easily even, if the root-damage is within limits, this tree could be green in 2 weeks..

Easy now guys and gals. We have all been new to this at one
time or another AND new to a technique we've only heard about.
Yes, the tree is your typical "they won't know any better" that
we have ALL run into before. But lets not disappoint or scare
the hell outta someone who IS interested enough to try.
and who has taken the effort to seek out forums to learn from.
The tree needs some work to get started with; yes.
The tree needs some new soil and some growing on; yes.
Will it take best in show in the next year; no.
Could it be developed into something that might; yes, just
like all trees can. It is all in the skill, time, and talent
of the artist growing it. I completely agree that I would
probably seek out a better stock supplier BUT work on this
one to learn. Like was pointed out, this species is very
forgiving and very often bounces back from nearly anything.
[well short of death]. How about just potting it up into a
collander to see if it recovers its vigor? If it has been
incorrectly potted, as most of these smaller ones are, it
should just be a matter of almost "sliding" it out of the
pot and into its waiting new soil bed.

Just my take on it.

ok so this is getting ridiculous ...leave the tree alone...this tree is in the beginning stages and is not going to be a masterful work in less than 40 years ..

with that said... if this tree makes it to next spring you are golden. learn to check soil moisture and water when needed not on a schedule, fertalize after a month...
next spring once buds begin to swell repot and once vigorus new growth has began chop all thick branches leaving last years shoots to begin branch formation. and buy more trees in spring just one is boring

hey guys just wanted to let you all know that there is some good news, my tree's leaves are coming back! all the leaves are really small right now so I can't get a good picture of them, I'll just have to wait until they are a little bigger I guess

picture time all these leaves on here are brand new and healthy as can be