Elm Tree - Ulmus americana

Elm Tree (Ulmus americana) is a highly attractive and deciduous tree that will create an elegant landscape or garden and wildlife haven.

Plant Details - Elm Tree

Family: Ulmaceae

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Water Needs: Moist

Height: 60 – 80 ft.

Spread: 30 – 60 ft.

Growth Rate: Slow

Bloom Time: Spring

Flower Color: Red

Wildlife Value: Attracts butterflies and birds

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Elm Tree

The Elm Tree is a rare, vase shaped deciduous tree that has an elegance unmatched by other trees. It is a beautiful native tree that used to be extremely common throughout the eastern region of the United States.

This tree is a great choice for planting as a shade tree or as a focal point in your yard. You can plant this tree in your woodland, butterfly, or native garden.

Its bark is dark gray and has deep ridges. The leaves are dark green and doubly serrated and will turn to a beautiful yellow in the fall. Its flowers are inconspicuous and are not ornamental in nature, but are a dark red.

Plant this tree in either full sun or partial shade. It will grow the best in a location with full sun where its growth will not be limited.

This tree prefers a location that has well draining and moist soil. Avoid planting this tree in a location with waterlogged or compacted soil. Be sure to water this tree in until it is well established in its new location.

This tree can be planted in a variety of soil textures, including clay, loam, or sand. Plant in a neutral soil.

It is a deer resistant tree. Protect it while it is still young and vulnerable to damage from deer browsing or buck rub.

This tree is very valuable to wildlife, providing both food and shelter. Small animals will eat the seeds.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Elm Tree is extremely susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease, but resistant cultivars are available.

This tree is a host plant for many butterflies, including Painted Lady Butterflies, the Mourning Cloak Butterfly, and the Question Mark Butterfly.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Care

Elm trees thrive in well-drained soil with regular watering during dry spells. Prune them in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead or diseased branches. Watch for pests and treat promptly to ensure a healthy tree.

Plant Reproduction

Elm trees spread via wind-dispersed seeds and root suckers

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees

Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.

Shipping date depends on the date displayed and chosen when you order from the product's page.

We do not accept returned plants. If you purchased an extended warranty we do accept claims, please navigate to the warranty page for instructions HERE