Japanese Elm
Check out Mother Earth’s Garden’s 50 Best Trees for a list of other trees to plant in your yard or garden.
Japanese Elm is a hardy tree that has replaced the more disease ridden American Elm for landscapers and property owners. It includes a variety of elms, including the most disease and insect resistant elm, the Village Green Elm. The bark varies slightly between trees, but is usually smooth and grey. The bark sometimes flakes off leaving a mottled pattern of grey, russet, and cream. Leaves are dark green and jagged with a rough texture. Not a particularly brightly colored tree in the fall, though still quite attractive. The colors vary between shades of yellowish orange to rusty brown and red.
Zone: 5-8
Type: Deciduous
Light: Full sun to part shade
Size: 50-80ft tall, 40-60ft wide
Form: Vase shaped with a rounded crown
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
How to Grow
The only main requirement is well draining soil. It does best with regular water from rain or irrigation, but is tolerant of a little neglect and difficult soil. Most Elm trees have short trunks and will start branching close to th
e ground if not trained a bit. Make sure the central leader reaches 6-8 feet before it starts to branch so there is room to move underneath. If it divides into more than one leader, thin out the weakest to keep the tree strong. Prune in winter for best results.
Tid Bits
Because Japanese Elms are not a native to the U.S., avoid shoots from sprouting. Elms can become invasive if not kept in check, and in large numbers are more susceptible to disease and insect problems that can spread to other trees. Stately, tall, and very sturdy, this is a great tree for bordering streets and walkways. It also does very well in a large yard where it can provide dappled shade.
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