I take about 1/3 of my stems out every year. The older stems, 3+ years, usually have less winter color. The regular trimming keeps new branches coming up, gives good winter color. Also keeps them contained, old growth gets very scraggly, turns into a thicket quickly. My bushes are varigated leaf, to get a two season appeal They are in heavy ground, which holds water well. I do water some in dry times. Semi-shady days, which also keeps them smaller. With very small or spindly new bushes, I would try topping them. Just cut off the top few inches of a couple stems, see if it encourages side growth, without removing the whole stem. It will help get the root growth going better, so reward might be next year with more sprouts.

Ray, That is not a Princeton Elm. It is an American Elm, but the the growth habit in your photo reminds me of the Valley Forge American Elm or just a plain seedling. The Princeton Elm has been around since the 1920's. It was originally chosen for its form and weather hardiness. Mother Nature gave it DED resistance. All American Elms can get DED, just like you and I encounter germs and viruses on a daily basis. Some people get sick and others die. The Princeton can get DED, but does not show the effects and basically lives through the fungus attack. The USDA did studies on many American Elms and found a handful that are resistant to DED. They did not choose them for form or shape, but only how they rated and faired against the DED fungus. The Princeton has lived in zones 2b to 9 with clients I have. The Tree has to be on its own roots, not a bud or graft so whatch out for that and ask your Garden Center or Grower specifically. The Pictures of the Princeton Elms at the White House are our trees and are very good representative of what a Princeton will look like. I agree with many, a mono culture of trees is bad. Look at the EAB and the Ash tree. look at DED on elms. Look at SOD on Oaks and the list will continue and expand. I hope this has helped and feel free to email me with questions you all may have. Thanks! jared@sharptoptree.com

Depends on what's wrong with it. Check soil conditions, if it's in potting mix it may be mucky and worn out. Snip a representative twig and take it to an independent nursery (at a slow time) and see if somebody there has something useful to say about the foliage. Master Gardener clinics will be around in spring, too.

I don't actually see anything wrong with that plant considering it is relatively newly planted. Old foliage dies - it's natural,especially after transplanting. There is lots of new growth coming and far from being scraggly I would say it is quite dense and healthy-looking. It wasn't necessary to prune it at planting time but it has done it no harm. Mini Blue is a compact cultivar and will never get very tall. I don't think you or it need any help. Just be patient and let it grow at its own pace bearing in mind it is a woody shrub, not a fast growing annual.