Drake Elm leaves have turned brown

Question

Planted an 8 foot Drake Elm in backyard 3 weeks ago. It is very hot here in south Louisiana but we have a mister in bed as well as garden hose on low next to trunk several times a week. We went out of town for a few days and now ALL the leaves have turned brown. Trunk and limbs when knicked are green still and leaves are not brittle. Can my tree be saved? What can I do? Hammond, Louisiana in July temperatures in high 80s/low 90s.

Answer 1

Are you saying that when you went out of town the tree wasn’t watered? Generally, we expect to water newly planted trees only once a week, deeply. So, it’s possible that the soil around the roots was too wet, thus unable to oxygenate properly, and the roots were damaged. As long as the tree is not dead, there’s always hope. You might try digging down around the rootball to actually feel the condition of the soil; it should not be muddy or sopping or soaked, but damp and cool. Here are a couple of articles on elms in general, and drakes in particular: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/elm/growing-elm-trees.htm
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st653