Why is that happening? There are small bugs under the bark that is peeling. Could this be the cause?
Yes, this could definitely be the issue. Treat the tree with neem oil, which will kill the pests and is an effective fungicide too. In addition, you may want to contact an arborist (tree expert) if the tree doesn't show signs of improvement.
At the bottom of my elm the bark has split. The tree is quite tall and about 30 years old. Can you give me advice?
If the bark has split clear down to the interior wood, then it needs to be sealed to keep insects out and prevent disease. There is a tar like product called Tree Wound Sealer on the market. Most garden centers have it. I believe ACE hardware carries it as well. Apply such a product to the split working it well into the split. Once done sprinkle it lightly with a fine sand to help make it less sticky, thus it will stay in place better if anything brushes against the treated area.
Would it endanger the tree to prune sucker growth at this time of year in St. Paul, MN?
No, you can remove the suckers anytime without causing harm to the tree.
Will the elm tree kill my roses?
While the American elm is considered somewhat allelopathic, the shade it produces is far more inhibitive on other plants than chemicals produced by the tree. This article has some information on elms: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/elm/growing-elm-trees.htm
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.
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
I live in the high desert in sunny California. I noticed my trees don't have a lot of leaves on them this year. I quit watering because we are experiencing a severe drought. My trees are at least 8 yrs old and I figured they had well established root systems. Will it help if I do some deep watering now?
I would certainly agree that the dry conditions are and will effect your trees.
Lessing leaves is most certainly a sign of stress.
Here are some links for you.
https://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4DMG/Trees/caring.htm
15 years ago I removed my Chinese elm hedge, which was 35 feet from my house. Now I have two or three growing by my foundation. How can I kill them for good?
Cut the tree seedlings and paint the fresh cut with undiluted Round-up. The fresh cut will cause the plant to pull the Round-up into its system and will kill it. You may need to repeat 2-3 times if the roots grow deep, but it will work.