Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: transplant survival, 1 by michaelangelo

michaelangelo wrote:
I'm posting a few more "after" pics because the tree looks a bit sadder now, four days after transplant. Leaves are getting wilty.

Regarding ecrane's helpful advice: It's a neighbors tree (I'm just trying to help him out and he is actually gone for the next three weeks). So I'm not about to dig it up to expose the crown but do you think (looking at the pic0 it might help if I at least remove the soil and stones that are on top of the crown.

Ecrane mentioned trimming back a lot of the top branches. At this point to you think cutting it back so that about 80% (or more) remains would at least help with the roots/water intake issue?

Also, any more guesses on tha this is? The foks at ID are not having much luck.