Here is an additional picture...

why or how was wind an issue???

ken

Ken - I've done some reading and feel pretty stupid. Brought it home in the back of a truck with nothing covering the leaves. So assuming it's wind burn at this point, but what I don't know now is does this damage the tree permanently or just the existing leaves.

Yes, I have been warned about bringing home a tree in a truck or car without covering the leaves. They get wind burn. Maybe it is that.

I planted a redbud about a week ago. It is not as large as yours. I've had no problem with the leaves. It seems happy in its new spot.

I don't know what the problem is with yours, but I would return it and start over with another. Their return policy is so generous, why not? Remember to protect it on the way home this time!

Dedtired - Yea the more I am reading online the more I am convinced it was the wind damage from the ride home. Live and learn I suppose. You're right, they do have the one year guarantee so I think a few days is well within that limit :) I may as well just take it back and start over rather than plant this one as-is.