Whats going on with this zelkova

[RoadManDenDron]

This belongs to a friend never seen one like this before, thanks for any help

 

[yashu]

Autumn?

 

[John P.]

Yep—just going dormant for the winter. In coastal Southern California often my Zelkovas are the only deciduous trees that show autumn color.

 

[RoadManDenDron]

That was what i suspected at first,

Someone i believe to be knowledgable is suggesting phosporous deficiency so i thought it best to post here to see what others think

@John P. Do yours turn from the outside like these? Only a couple are actually yellow like yours it was more the edges of the leaves had us confused

 

[River's Edge]

I would suggest a combination of fall with inconsistent temperatures and some overwatering based on the surface of the soil and the strong variation of red/green plus full yellow leaves. There also appears to be some branch loss lower down on the tree.
The colour variation is not the normal pattern for my Zelkova in the nursery. It may be prudent to monitor the watering and drainage carefully this winter. I would also consider a repot this spring if drainage is compromised.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Looks like it got dried out once.