I'm sorry dwarf mandrin tree

Hey, Grower, I'm in the Sierra Foothills, too...up around Auburn.
When exactly did you plant the tree? Last Autumn?

If the tree was only in the ground two weeks, then I really doubt it had time
for the roots to establish themselves.

The most important thing for the tree now is to preserve the healthy roots - if it has healthy
roots left.

In a container, I like to use a mix of Fir bark, Pumice, Perlite, and grit (gravel, quartz, et cetera).
The important thing is to use a mix that is porous and free-draining so that oxygen returns to the
root-zone after watering.

Josh

Yes I planted it about two weeks ago. The roots were pretty soaked when I uncovered them tonight I put the tree in a pot and brought it indoors tonight I was going to see what I could do about any root damage, and mabey try to put it back into the ground what do you think I should do. I'm right up above Folsom

Ah, Folsom, nice area - I go to the October Renaissance Fair.
I think it's too cold to be planting in-ground right now (29F here this morning).
I'd keep the tree in a container and baby it through the rest of the winter.
I wouldn't re-plant until the end of March or April.

Monitor the tree carefully, making sure not to over-water.
A good method is to stick a dowel or wooden skewer into the container, and then to water
only when the dowel comes out dry and clean. I would also put the tree outside during the
day, and then protect it during these cold nights. If you put the tree in hot, direct sun,
or in a windy location, it will probably lose leaves.

Thankfully, the Mandarins are among the more cold-hardy of the Citrus.

Josh