Lacebark Elm Sudden Browning: Trunk Injury Likely Cause

Case

5-yr-old lacebark elm: all leaves brown in 2 days, bark peeling trunk. Dry hot summer, recent rain, regular watering. Small branches still green inside.

Expert Assessment

Sudden total browning + bark peeling = acute vascular failure. Not infectious disease (too fast). External stress:

• Trunk base injury: String trimmer/mower girdling (check carefully).
• Root damage: Recent digging, grade change, compaction.
• Herbicide exposure: Weed-and-feed near root zone?
• Vascular wilt: Verticillium (but usually sectorial, not whole tree).

Immediate Check

1. Clear mulch/soil at base → inspect bark 360° for constriction, cuts, loose bark.
2. If girdled → tree dead above wound.
3. If intact → deep water, wait 2 weeks for any re-leafing (elm can coppice).

Lacebark Elm Note

Generally tough, but young trees vulnerable to mechanical damage. Bark exfoliation is normal on mature trunks—not on 5-yr-olds.