Need Advise

[Jay Webs]

I bought an American elm recently via Etsy I think. Nothing crazy just wanted another tree I can grow outdoors. But I have noticed over the past few days it looks really dry and cristy. Some browning leaves. I live in NY and the plant lives outside. I haven't repotted this plant yet. Wanted it to get acclimated to its new home
Until the spring. It really hasn't been cold enough for the tree to shed its leaves. I'm not sure what's wrong with it or is this normal for a plant like this. Any advise will be appreciated

 

[Jay Webs]

Only thing I can think of is the pot it's in is too small and the roots aren't able to get the necessary water it needs

 

[Paradox]

You need to post some pictures of the tree so we can actually see it.

Also please put your location on your profile so people can better answer your questions

 

[Josh86]

Cold is not a factor of leaf drop it is the shortening of daylight hours. Yes frost or snow can damage leaves but for the most part hardened leaves can handle this for a short period. It is possible it is a mixture of stress and a watering issue but more likely it is that time of year. The trees around here are almost bare

 

[Jay Webs]

 

[Jay Webs]

These are a few photos of the plant. Who's got something for me?

 

[Jay Webs]

Cold is not a factor of leaf drop it is the shortening of daylight hours. Yes frost or snow can damage leaves but for the most part hardened leaves can handle this for a short period. It is possible it is a mixture of stress and a watering issue but more likely it is that time of year. The trees around here are almost bare

So you think it will Bounce
Back in spring? I may just repot it into a bigger pot for more root coverage. They are poking out of the holes in the bottom of the pot

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Looks fine to me. My elms are getting to the end of their growing season and their leaves tend to crisp up and look a little beaten - even in Southern Cal. They will drop their leaves for about two months... and come roaring back in early February.

 

[Jay Webs]

Ok well thats good to know...Another question...Being that they are going to live outside and shed their foliage...How often do they need water in the dead of winter? I have two Trident Maples and one Japanese Black Pine....

 

[BigBen]

Hi Jay,
Welcome aboard, enjoy your stay.
This is a GREAT place to hang-out at and learn from!

 

[M. Frary]

Ok well thats good to know...Another question...Being that they are going to live outside and shed their foliage...How often do they need water in the dead of winter? I have two Trident Maples and one Japanese Black Pine....

If frozen solid they won't need water at all. If not check them every week. They won't be taking in water at this time but roots need to be moist.
I don't have to water mine for over 4 months every year. They freeze solid and stay like that.

 

[Jay Webs]

If frozen solid they won't need water at all. If not check them every week. They won't be taking in water at this time but roots need to be moist.
I don't have to water mine for over 4 months every year. They freeze solid and stay like that.

Thanks Mike....I have had a few indoor trops for several years...This is the first year I am experimenting with outdoor plants in NY...

 

[M. Frary]

Thanks Mike....I have had a few indoor trops for several years...This is the first year I am experimenting with outdoor plants in NY...

I only have outdoor plants. I also have the coldest longest winters of just about everybody on this forum. Last 2 years we've had more snow and colder cold than Anchorage Alaska. Oddly enough though I don't have the overwintering problems a lot do. It's because of it just staying cold until May here. My trees don't wake up early like most so I don't have that worry.
I did lose almost a my trees a couple of winters ago due to the V.C. Like almost 200 trees. Since I solved that problem I almost welcome winter. I don't have to worry about trees for months.
The first few winters you will worry. It's the name of the game. After a couple it will be old hat.