Has anyone ever planted a tree in their run?

[teach1rusl]

Most trees do best when planted in the fall...that may be part of why yours is wilting. Of course the soil and watering will affect them too. I would definitely wire around the bottom until it's well established. I have tall trees in my run and a wired/roofed ceiling - we just wired around the tree by cutting the wire and loosely tacking it along the perimeter of the trunk (loosely so that we can adjust as the tree grows).

 

[2overeasy000]

I agree that you would have better luck if you waited until the fall and the leaves dropped. And replant the Mulberry with organic material(like compost) with the soil and just water often. No plant food at all for the first year. This will make the roots stretch out and re-establish. And lots of water.

 

[Omani]

We planted some trees in our run last year. This is probably the worse time of year to transplant them because it stresses them so much. Late spring or early fall are best. But you can save them.
Trim the tree back by 1/3. DO NOT fertilize, just water. The fertilizer can actually burn the roots. If you can, cover the roots. We put a ring of patio blocks around the base of the tree. It not only stops the chickens from digging, but keeps the roots a little cooler, thus reducing the stress of transplanting.