why hasnt my acer got any leaves - just buds

Any chance of a photo? Have you checked the bark, trunk,stems, branches for any signs of infestation or disease? Have you been keeping it watered - we've had a couple of really dry spells, combined with wind, and your tree's not been planted that long.

Thanks for your help - camera not working at the minute so cant give a photo. Have checked it and there isnt any signs of infestation, I have been watering it but perhaps not enough - will give that ago and see how I get on.

See my blog on watering and in addition to the info in there, trees need a gallon a week unless its hot and dry, when they'll need that twice a week, round the roots, for their first 1/2 years.