I have a Brandon Elm tree that I planted in September of last year, it was about 10 feet. This spring it had lots of buds and leaved out with the other trees and its growth seemed to take off, adding around 12 inches of new growth. However, I first noticed about four weeks ago that leaves were starting to turn yellow and fall off, mostly the small leaves. It is still dropping leaves and some are larger ones. There is still a lot of leaves on the tree but I am concerned. The first person that I asked said it probably lacked water but it is in a fairly moist area and just to be sure I have given it quite a bit of water over the last 10 days and there seems to be no change. What is happening with my Elm?
If there is a big intact field- or potting soil root-ball that may be dry despite there being moisture in different soil around the ball. This is a common problem, and one of the reasons bare-rooting at planting time is beginning to be advocated. Big trees like you bought may even have been allowed to become dry inside before being bought and planted by the final consumer, adequate measures to keep them moist between the grower's field and the ultimate planting site not having been undertaken the whole time.
Thanks for the reply, the tree came in a 10 gallon pot and it was quite wet weather when it was planted. Noticed today that there is a lot of unopen buds, perhaps this is a problem that started in spring and I only noticed about 4 weeks ago? Cheers
It has dropped quite a few leaves, I hope that you are right and that is all it is. Quite a beautifull tree and I would hate to lose it. Cheers, Curtis.
Any tree that is defoliating markedly this early in the year is signaling that it is having a problem, almost certainly with moisture levels in the root zone.
Ron, Would a tree defoliate if it had too much moisture or is this most likely lack of moisture at the root ball?
