Frontier Elm

Frontier Elm (Ulmus 'Frontier')

Frontier Elm is a compact hybrid elm with an upright oval to vase-shaped canopy, glossy dark green leaves, and exceptional reddish purple fall color. Its moderate size and urban toughness make a reliable street and lawn tree for residential and commercial sites.

Distinctive Features

Bred for strong tolerance to Dutch elm disease with small, fine-textured foliage and a high, even canopy. Notable late-season burgundy to purple fall tones provide standout color among elms.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best canopy density and color.
• Soil: Adaptable to most well drained soils; prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment, then deep soak in extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9.
• Mature Size: Typically 30 to 40 ft tall and 20 to 30 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Upright vase form and vivid fall color create an architectural specimen.
• Street Tree: Handles heat, reflected light, and compacted soils better than many shade trees.
• Shade Tree: Builds a cooling canopy for lawns, patios, and play areas.
• Allees and Drives: Repeats well in rows to frame entries and walks.
• Parks and Campuses: Reliable medium-scale shade with low maintenance needs.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water weekly for the first 2 to 3 years; transition to occasional deep watering during drought.
• Pruning: Train early for strong branch structure and clearance; prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing wood.
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring only if soil tests indicate deficiency.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 to 3 inch mulch ring to conserve moisture and protect roots, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Avoid chronically wet soils; monitor for typical elm insects and manage as needed.

Why Choose Frontier Elm?

• Disease Tolerance: Strong performance against Dutch elm disease.
• Striking Fall Color: Reliable reddish purple foliage late in the season.
• Urban Toughness: Withstands heat, wind, and city conditions.
• Manageable Size: Medium stature fits streetscapes and residential lots.
• Classic Elm Form: Upright vase canopy with fine-textured leaves.

Plant in full sun with room for the canopy, water deeply during establishment, and shape early to ensure a long-lived, well-structured street or lawn tree.