Major branch died in estabilished Chinese Elm

[Carpul]

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Hello

40 years old Chinese elm. It seems two major branch died after repotting (early August), They have clear different colour (brownish) and no growth while the rest of the branches have new growth. I have been overseas for two years, but the tree was looked after by one of the best nursery in Sydney.
I know that this may happen, but I thought it is unlikely in a old tree.

Can you give any advices ? Suggest possible causes ?

Thanks a lot

[kcpoole]

the only thing i can think of is the root feeding up that part of the tree did not survive the repot and trim.

Ken

[treeman]

The tree probably sacrificed those branches because there was enough/too much activity higher up the tree. Only a guess.
If you prune them off at the base and prune back the top of the tree as well there is a very high chance that buds will appear at the cuts if you really want to replace the lost branches.
However, looking closely at the close ups (with strained neck) those areas are not very active going by the sunken look surrounding the branch. You may have a larger dead area there?

[Keep Calm and Ramify]

Hi Carpul,
If your using a soil based potting medium - I would be checking for root munching curl grubs asap.