Young Apple Tree Fruit Failure: Water, Depth, Transplant Stress

5-yr apple tree in Texas (Mother's Day gift). Clusters of dead leaves/stems where flowers should be; only 3 tiny apples.

Checks

• Water: Not too much. Level ground (no pooling). ~4 inches/week.
• Planting depth: Original soil line visible? Not too deep.
• Transplant stress: New plantings often drop first crop.
• Leaf clues: Yellow = dry; black tips = wet.

Expert insight provided by Kathy.