Hi Batniu,
Sounds like they also want to sell you some swamp land. *:X* If there are leaves at the center of the tree and no leaves at the ends of the branches, your tree is out of dormancy and something else is wrong.* Trees don't grow their leaves in stages along the branches, they all sprout at the same time in a healthy tree.* Return to place of purchase for a new tree or refund.* Oh, and throw those tree spikes away.* They tend to burn the roots of the tree.* If your tree needs fertilizer apply a one inch layer of compost under the mulch.* Don't pile mulch against the trunk of the tree.* Here's some helpful info on planting trees.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG089
http://www.arborday.org/trees/video/howtoplant.cfm
http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/pla...ees/f1147w.htm
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/ga...7833.html#post
http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/mulching.aspx
http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/water/az1298/
Newt
When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant.