Ask-a-Dave's-Gardener: Need help with new dorsett apple tree, 1 by Pinkfloyd47

Pinkfloyd47 wrote:
I just received this dorsett apple and even though this is September it arrived sans leaves. Any advice on what to do with this before transplanting to the yard? It will be close to another dorsett that is thriving. My normal procedure in planting is to dig a hole slightly deeper than necessary and throw in a handful of 10-10-10 and a heaping tablespoon full of 20-20-20 water soluble and fill the hole with water. After the water has percolated a small amount of soil is added to cover the 10-10-10 and the trees is then planted and then copiously watered for the first week and then every other day for the second week. I have never received a new tree in as poor a condition as this one and am uncertain on how to save it. I am in zone 9a.. I guess leaves and branches were extra..........

thanks

Mike