Evergreen Elm

Plant Type: tree
Plant Height: 30-50 feet
Spread: 40-60 feet
Flower Color: 
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Evergreen Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) - A Durable and Attractive Shade Tree for Urban Landscapes

The Evergreen Elm, Ulmus parvifolia, is a resilient and visually appealing tree native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. Known for its distinctive peeling bark and fine-textured, dark green foliage, this adaptable tree is a popular choice for street plantings, parks, and residential landscapes due to its beauty and versatility.

Key Features of Evergreen Elm

1. Impressive Size and Shade
   The Evergreen Elm grows to a height of 30 to 50 feet, with a broad canopy that can spread 40 to 60 feet wide, creating dense, ample shade. Its size and shape make it ideal for providing cooling shade in urban settings, driveways, and larger garden spaces.

2. Evergreen or Semi-Deciduous Foliage
   In warmer climates, this elm holds onto its leaves year-round, lending it the “evergreen” title. In regions with colder winters, it may become semi-evergreen or even fully deciduous, with leaves displaying shades of yellow, red, or purple in the fall, adding a splash of seasonal color.

3. Unique, Peeling Bark
   One of the most striking features of the Evergreen Elm is its exfoliating bark. As the bark peels away in patches, it reveals a mosaic of colors, including shades of gray, green, orange, and brown, offering year-round visual interest and a distinctive look in the landscape.

4. Hardy and Urban-Tolerant
   This tree is highly tolerant of urban conditions, including drought, heat, wind, and pollution. It thrives in well-draining soils and full sun and is adaptable to a range of soil types, making it ideal for challenging environments like city streets and public parks. The Evergreen Elm is also resistant to Dutch elm disease, which has affected many other elm species, making it a low-maintenance and durable choice.

Ideal Uses in Landscaping

• Shade and Street Tree: With its broad canopy, the Evergreen Elm is frequently used to line streets or driveways, providing cooling shade and aesthetic value.
• Specimen Tree: Its beautiful bark and arching branches make it an attractive focal point in large gardens or open spaces.
• Residential Landscaping: The tree’s low-maintenance nature and adaptability to urban conditions make it perfect for residential landscapes needing year-round interest and low water requirements.

Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun for optimal growth.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soils; adaptable to a range of soil types.
• Watering: Once established, the Evergreen Elm is drought-tolerant, requiring minimal supplemental water.

Care and Maintenance

The Evergreen Elm is relatively low-maintenance, with its resistance to diseases and pests adding to its appeal. Occasional pruning can help maintain its shape, especially when planted as a street or shade tree, but it generally requires little care once established.

Summary

The Evergreen Elm is a durable and adaptable tree, perfect for urban and residential landscapes. Its unique bark, fine-textured foliage, and ability to provide dense shade make it a popular choice for gardeners and landscape designers seeking both beauty and resilience. Its low maintenance requirements and adaptability to challenging conditions further enhance its appeal as a reliable and attractive addition to any large landscape.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Evergreen Elm

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space trees 15-20 feet apart to accommodate their large, spreading canopy
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Evergreen Elm requires no staking once established, but young trees may benefit from some support

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 2-3 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Evergreen Elm is considered established after 6-8 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 10-14 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 7-10 days. Provide 3-4 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 24-36 inches away from the base of the tree to ensure deep watering of the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-4 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 2-3 emitters per tree for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 7-10 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks