Chinese Elm

Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

Chinese Elm is a durable shade tree with an upright vase to rounded crown, glossy dark green leaves, and handsome exfoliating bark that reveals mottled patches. It thrives in urban and suburban landscapes, casting broad, cooling shade and showing yellow to russet fall color.

Distinctive Features

Patchwork bark provides four-season interest, while fine-textured foliage and arching limbs create a classic elm silhouette with modern toughness. Noted for strong tolerance to Dutch elm disease and urban stresses.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best canopy density and trunk character.
• Soil: Adaptable to most well drained soils; prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
• Water: Moderate; maintain steady moisture during establishment, then deep soak during extended drought.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9.
• Mature Size: Typically 40 to 60 ft tall and 35 to 50 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Vase-shaped canopy and mottled bark create an architectural specimen.
• Street Tree: Handles heat, reflected light, and compacted soils.
• Shade Tree: Broad crown cools lawns, patios, and play areas.
• Allees and Drives: Repeats well in rows to frame entries and walks.
• Parks and Campuses: Reliable low-input canopy for open greens.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water weekly for the first 2 to 3 years; transition to occasional deep watering during dry periods.
• Pruning: Train early for a strong central leader and good clearance; prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing wood.
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring only if soil tests indicate a nutrient 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 and monitor for typical elm insects; overall species shows good disease tolerance.

Why Choose Chinese Elm?

• Disease Tolerance: Strong performance against Dutch elm disease in landscape settings.
• Urban Toughness: Withstands heat, wind, and city conditions.
• Year-Round Interest: Exfoliating bark and seasonal foliage color.
• Classic Form: Iconic elm shape with arching limbs and fine texture.
• Fast Establishment: Builds a cooling canopy with routine early care.

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