Whats wrong? Apple tree

Last September I bought my father in law a dwarf apple tree. He is an experienced gardener and promptly planted it in the garden. This is though what it looks like now. A bit sad, a bit dry. He has fed it. Its watered. Its not too exposed. Should we just be patient? I know I got mine at a different time of the year, but mine looked much more established.

TIA

 

GYO, I`m afraid the tree has canker. It needs to come and burnt,

 

Certainly doesn't look good on the stem of a newly planted tree.
it was probably infected before you bought it.