u/PokemonMasterDaddy

5-6 year old Hokkaido, I found at a nursery last week. I have two other elms (Chinese, Jacquline hiller) that have been going strong for a couple years now. I’ve seen that Hokkaidos are relatively different though and am looking for advice to plan for success long term.

Located in 7a-7b

In the week I’ve had this, I have yet to water as the nursery stock has stayed wet (doesn’t help that it’s been colder and rainy). I’m reluctant to do anything with it due to how fragile I’ve read they are and because of the time of year. I’ve noticed some die back, and a lot of bugs in the soil (I’ve treated for pests but it appears the gnats are still going strong).

Picked this guy up a little over a month ago, and it seems like it has been on a slow decline ever since. I know Conifers are notorious for dying and not showing signs for months. Any tips on how I should water, or help turn this guy around?

Located in zone 7a-7b. Currently, I’m using the skewer method at the root ball to gauge when to water. Averages every ~4ish days. Repotted from nursery stock soil into akadama/lava/pumice mix in a ratio of 1:1:2. Is sitting in a spot where it averages 6 hours of sunlight starting at 8am. Currently working on thickening the trunk, hence the smol tree in big pot.

This is my first conifer so all tips are welcome.