I bought this red oak and planted it in early july. I planted it about an inch above ground level and watered it twice a week or more if needed the first few weeks then once a week since. The store was going out of business so I picked this up for a steal. When I planted it dropped its leaves for about a week and now most of them are gone. I put mulch around the tree and it seems to have stabilized. Is this tree already doomed. It is now growing leaves from the base of the trunk and about 2 feet from the base but no where else. The barren limbs still bend without breaking and looks like it may have buds on the ends but I'm not sure if they are really buds. I plan on waiting till next spring to see if it bounces back but until then should I be concerned.

The tree as it is today.

The new leaves 2 ft from the base.

Maybe new buds? Couldnt get a good pic sorry.