rockm
Spuds Moyogi
Using a soil with more organic is arguably a better way to go. I think the soil mix you're using is too fast draining for the species. There is a place for organic components in soil, especially for collected deciduous trees. I use soil with 20-30 percent pine bark (the smallest grade prepared orchid bark works pretty well--you can get it at bigger nurseries that sell orchids, or at orchid specialty nurseries). Afternoon shade is also needed in hotter climates.Thank you for taking the time to write that. I really appreciate it. I did go back and trim the bark and cambium back to green tissue then sealed everything. Im not picking a automatic watering system becaise i think its best, but rather because its the least bad... my job in the summer is unpredictable. And the hotter and dryer it gets the less im home to pay attention and take care of things. I am typing this on my phone, on a tractor. Im open to better ideas that recognize that i may be gone 14 hours a day for a week while its 90deg and breezy.
I also took everything off but the 2 big trunks. Again, thank you to everyone for your advice.
Hot weather and free draining soil is a bad combination in hot weather. Add a breeze or wind and it's even worse.