Japanese Elm Tree Care: How To Grow A Japanese Elm Tree
The American elm population has been decimated by Dutch Elm disease, so gardeners in this country often choose to plant Japanese elm trees instead. This lovely group of trees is hardier and equally attractive, with smooth gray bark and an appealing canopy. Read on for Japanese elm tree facts, including information about how to grow a Japanese elm tree.
Japanese Elm Tree Facts
Japanese elm tree includes not one, but six genera with 35 species of elm native to Japan. All are deciduous trees or shrubs that are native to Japan and northeastern Asia.
Japanese elms are resistant to Dutch Elm disease, a disease fatal to the American elm. One type of Japanese elm, Ulmus davidiana var. japonica, is so highly resistant that it has been used to develop resistant cultivars.
Japanese elm trees can mature to 55 feet (17 m.) tall with a 35 foot (11 m.) canopy spread. The bark is grayish brown, and the crown of the tree is rounded and spreads out in an umbrella shape. The fruits of Japanese elm trees depend on the genera and variety of the tree. Some are samaras and some are nuts.
How to Grow a Japanese Elm Tree
If you want to start growing Japanese elm trees, you’ll have the easiest time if you plant the trees in an appropriate location. Japanese elm tree care requires a sunny planting site with well-draining, loamy soil.
If you’re already growing Japanese elm trees in hard clay soil, you aren’t obliged to move them. The trees will survive, but they will grow much more slowly than in rich soil that drains well. The optimal soil will have a pH between 5.5 and 8.
Japanese Elm Tree Care
Also, when growing Japanese elm trees, you need to understand Japanese elm tree care requirements. When and how to water is perhaps the most important part of caring for these trees.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Like other elms, Japanese elm trees need to be watered during extended dry periods. Provide water at the outside edge of their canopies, not close to the trunks. The root hairs of these trees that absorb water and nutrients are found on the root tips. Ideally, irrigate with a drip hose during periods of drought.
Japanese elm tree care also involves weeding around the trees. Weeds under an elm tree canopy compete for available water. Remove them regularly to keep your tree healthy.
Teo Spengler has been gardening for 30 years. She is a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Her passion is trees, 250 of which she has planted on her land in France.
-
Planting Perennials In Fall: How To Ensure New Shrubs And Flowers Thrive
Fall is the perfect time to get a head start on your garden goals by planting many perennial varieties. Come spring time, they will be raring to go.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Blue Flowers For Native Gardens: 7 Native Blue Flowers To Grow
Blue might not seem like the sort of color that crops up regularly in a native garden, but you’d be amazed! Here we round up the loveliest native blue flowers you can try
By Tonya Barnett
-
What Is An American Elm Tree - American Elm Facts
The beautiful American elm tree is probably not the best choice for your landscape. This lovely deciduous tree is sadly vulnerable to Dutch elm disease, and is not recommended by experts.
By Teo Spengler
-
Rock Elm Tree Identification – What Does A Rock Elm Tree Look Like
The rock elm is one of the six elm trees native to the United States. Click here to learn more about the rock elm tree.
By Laura Miller
-
Lacebark Elm Information – Care Of Chinese Lacebark Elm In Gardens
Although lacebark elm is native to Asia, it was introduced to the United States in 1794. Since that time, it has become a popular landscape tree, suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. Find more lacebark elm information here.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Slippery Elm Information: Tips On Using And Growing Slippery Elm Trees
Slippery elm bark contains a substance that becomes slick and slippery when mixed with water, hence the name. The tree has been used in herbal medicine in this country for centuries. For more information about slippery elm herb uses, click this article.
By Teo Spengler
-
What Is A Camperdown Elm Tree: Camperdown Elm History And Information
If you are familiar with Camperdown elm, you are surely a fan of this lovely tree. If not, you may ask: "What is a Camperdown elm tree?". In either case, click this article for more information, including Camperdown elm history.
By Teo Spengler
-
Elm Phloem Necrosis – Methods Of Elm Yellows Treatment
Elm yellows is a disease that attacks and kills native elms. The disease is systemic and lethal. Learn about the symptoms of elm yellow disease and whether there is any effective elm yellows treatment in this article. Click here for more info.
By Teo Spengler
-
Drake Elm Tree Growing: Tips On Caring For Drake Elm Trees
The drake elm (also called Chinese elm or lacebark elm) is a quick-growing elm tree that naturally develops a dense, rounded, umbrella-shaped canopy. For more drake elm tree information and details on caring for drake elm trees, click this article.
By Teo Spengler
-
Winged Elm Tree Care: Tips For Growing Winged Elm Trees
The winged elm, a deciduous tree native to the southern woodlands of the United States, grows in both wet areas and dry, making it a very adaptable tree for cultivation. Click this article for information about growing winged elm trees.
By Teo Spengler