Just a guess, but watering can throw anyone for a loop. After a regular watering, dig down a foot away from the toms as narrow a hole as you can, to see if there really is adequate moisture. Use a trowel; go down a foot and a half. You might be surprised, maybe not.

Was that plant(s) ever fully leafed out? It doesn't look that way...

Well, you do realize that Long Island is currently experiencing moderate drought conditions. When you do water, do you water thoroughly?

Also consider mulching to remain moisture.

P.S., If we don't get rain soon, we will be joining you in the drought department.

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Home/RegionalDroughtMonitor.aspx?northeast

What is the soil like? Sand, clay, how much organic matter?

What is the soils pH? What did a good reliable soil test say about soil nutrients?

While soil moisture is important, too much is as bad as too little, there are many other things that can cause what I see.

kimmq is kimmsr

Like Jean said.

What Jean said, but I'd also sprinkle a ring of epsom salts around the drip line.