Dav4

I've had this happen to 1-2 year old grafts of various palmatum stock that was shipped to me from the west coast several spring ago. Arrived looking healthy, watered several times...then the decline began. It starts with wilting leaves that eventually turn crispy over about 1 week. According to the nursery that sold the trees to me, the symptoms are consistent with a fungal infection of one sort or another. The fungus gains entry into the tree can occur by watering the leaves or perhaps just touching them. Apparently, dwarf palmatums seem more susceptible due to their inherent reduced vigor. Anyway, your situation seemed similar to my experience so I thought I would mention it.

Dave

ps I would recomend putting your tree in 100% shade and keeping the soil slightly moist. If it is alive, it will start to push new leaves in 2-3 weeks. Good luck