American Elm

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

60 - 80 Feet

Mature Spread

40 - 70 Feet

Growing Zones

2 to 9

The American Elm is a classic shade tree used in many urban landscapes because of its high canopy of leaves that provide shade for parks and city streets. Ulmus americana can be planted in the home garden to provide shade also. It does have a tall and wide spread, so may only be useful in the largest of yards. Growing to a height of 60-80 feet and a spread of 40-70 feet this is one impressive tree.

American Elms grown in the past were susceptible to Dutch Elm disease, spread by the Dutch Elm bark beetle. Newer cultivars are much more resistant to this disease and can be extremely long lived. The American Elm is native to the Eastern half of North America and provides shelter and food for species of butterflies, moths and birds. Elms are drought tolerant once well established.

American Elm Care

Elms have a wide and shallow root system and need to have a very large space in order to thrive. Placing this tree in an average backyard may be difficult. Overhead utility lines must be avoided as well as driveways, patios and house foundations. The strong root system can push up and break sidewalks and driveways easily. The best place would be 100 feet away from structures and patios. The soil it is planted in can be of average texture with a pH from5.5 -8.0. Soil should be well drained and mulched with leaves or a thin layer of organic compost in the fall after leaf drop. 

Pruning of American Elm is very important in its formative years. Giving it the strongest limb spread possible will go a long way to keep this tree healthy. A healthy tree that has the right amount of care will be more resistant to attack by pests and disease.

American Elm Spacing

American Elms tend to be used as a specimen tree, especially in the home garden setting. A lovely dappled shade garden could be planted underneath. Since the roots are very shallow, plants such as perennials, groundcovers and annuals will be the easiest to work with. Their roots won’t compete with the tree roots.