Dying Hornbeam

Question

The hornbeam in our garden, which is about 20 years old, started regrowing its leaves as usual earlier this year until about 4-6 weeks ago. They have now gone very dry and brittle and showing all signs of dying. Assuming it was due to water shortage, we started watering it, but no signs of success have emerged. Any clues why it should be dying and anything that could be done to revive it?

Answer 1

Other than checking for signs of pests, it could simply have succumbed to old age. Plants, like all living things have a lifespan, and it may be that this one has reached its end.