American Hornbeam looking a little rough

[Scrogdor]

first off, this one definitely needs a repot. So it may just be that, been holding off until next season. But the leaves are all wilting/looking a little poor. Couple of my other hornbeams leaves are also changing so maybe it’s just an early fall here in cali. Other than that it’s been a vibrant healthy looking tree all summer.

I went to Italy for a couple weeks and had someone watering all of my trees every other day, which is typically fine. I wonder if it got a little scorched one of the days. or if they missed a day. It was already looking a little weak before I left though.

 

[JadedEvan]

Questions - was this exposed to wind? What kind of sun exposure did this receive?

I've found that my hornbeam is pretty fickle in regards to wind and sun, wind being a lot more impactful than I was expecting. If I keep it in an area where it gets more exposure to wind (even in full shade) I can see leaves start to dry out on the edges. I've found also that it really prefers light more similar to a Japanese maple - indirect sun, understory kind of lighting.

I think this response is very strongly tied to the repot from this year. The roots were not well developed due to shit soil from the previous owner. I expect things to go a bit better next season.

 

[JudyB]

if it was healthy it will probably just drop the leaves and set new buds for next year. That is what KH do after the solstice if they get too dry, not sure though about Am. H.

 

[INDIGO-STEVE]

You might get another flush of growth before winter dormancy. I normally get another push when temps stop dropping.

 

[Scrogdor]

Questions - was this exposed to wind? What kind of sun exposure did this receive?

I've found that my hornbeam is pretty fickle in regards to wind and sun, wind being a lot more impactful than I was expecting. If I keep it in an area where it gets more exposure to wind (even in full shade) I can see leaves start to dry out on the edges. I've found also that it really prefers light more similar to a Japanese maple - indirect sun, understory kind of lighting.

I think this response is very strongly tied to the repot from this year. The roots were not well developed due to shit soil from the previous owner. I expect things to go a bit better next season.

It gets morning sun for about 4 hours. Then shade. Not too much wind though.

The repot was two winters ago now. Pot is impacted with roots, drys out pretty fast now. The tree sprouted a ton of new branches all over the trunk, was looking good all summer until last couple weeks. Guessing it was just improperly watered for a couple weeks while I was away.

 

[edprocoat]

first off, this one definitely needs a repot. So it may just be that, been holding off until next season. But the leaves are all wilting/looking a little poor. Couple of my other hornbeams leaves are also changing so maybe it’s just an early fall here in cali. Other than that it’s been a vibrant healthy looking tree all summer.

I went to Italy for a couple weeks and had someone watering all of my trees every other day, which is typically fine. I wonder if it got a little scorched one of the days. or if they missed a day. It was already looking a little weak before I left though.

That looks fungal, like one of the anthracanose fungal diseases! I would look into a copper spray as I've had success with that. Anthracanose itself won't kill the plant but can weaken it and even lead to canker which may eventually kill it..