Elm, (genus Ulmus), genus of about 35 species of forest and ornamental shade trees of the family Ulmaceae, native primarily to
north temperate areas
.
Where did elm trees originate?
Elms are deciduous and semi-deciduous trees comprising the flowering plant genus Ulmus in the plant family Ulmaceae. The genus first appeared in the Miocene geological period about 20 million years ago, originating in
what is now central Asia
.
Are there any elm trees left in the US?
The American elm (Ulmus americana) was once a very common tree in the Eastern and Midwestern United States, but Dutch elm disease and other pest problems have killed many trees. This has made the tree somewhat
rare
and it is expected that many more trees will die.
Where do elm trees grow?
Elms prefer full sun or partial shade and moist, well-drained fertile soil. They adapt to wet or dry soil as well. They make good street trees because they tolerate urban conditions, but keep in mind that planting an elm tree
near sidewalks
can lead to cracks and raised areas.
Are elm trees rare?
The American elm (Ulmus americana) was once a very common tree in the Eastern and Midwestern United States, but Dutch elm disease and other pest problems have killed many trees. This has made
the tree somewhat rare
and it is expected that many more trees will die.
What are elm trees good for?
Common Uses:
Boxes, baskets, furniture, hockey sticks, veneer, wood pulp, and papermaking
. Comments: Once one of the largest and most prevalent of the North American elm species, preferred as an ideal shade tree for urban roadsides.
What is the lifespan of an elm tree?
The easy to grow, very hardy and tolerant tree will live for
300 years or more
. American Elm is a highly desirable shade tree with moderately dense foliage and a symmetrical crown in a broad or upright vase shape.
Are elm trees making a comeback?
Starting in the mid-20th century, Dutch elm disease killed off millions. Now, as beetle invasions and new disease are threatening other tree species,
ecologists are engineering a comeback for the elm
, whose history in the U.S. goes back to the earliest settlement by Europeans.
Are elm trees valuable?
Re: Value of Elm
If you have living elm over 20
” they may be more valuable to leave standing
. If nothing else I suggest finding a market first, cause elm is not a highly valued wood, and the trees may be of more value for ascetics than for the dollars for pulp.
How do I identify an American elm tree?
- Size: Can reach 100 feet tall or more, but generally mature city trees are 60 to 80 feet.
- Trunk and branches: Vase-shaped with a canopy almost as wide as its height. …
- Leaves: Alternating simple leaves that are ovate in shape. …
- Fall appearance: Yellow or brown leaves.
Do elm trees have invasive roots?
They have
shallow, invasive roots
and seldom live more than 15 years in the landscape. … American Elm (Ulmus americana) – The moisture-loving roots of American elms often invade sewer lines and drain pipes.
Is elm tree fast growing?
The
American Elm grows fast in any type of soil and environment
. You can just plant this tree on a weekend and enjoy it for the rest of your life. With very little attention and care, your American Elm will grow 3-6 feet each year.
Do elm trees need a lot of water?
Your newly planted elm tree
will need frequent watering as it becomes established
. Do not allow the soil around the root ball to dry out. Measure the soil with a moisture meter and water as often as two or three times per week for the first two weeks.
Are elm trees messy?
Elms of all kinds are notorious for dropping thousands of tiny papery seeds. The seeds aren’t easy to rake, they stick to grass and in bare spots of the lawn and on the driveway. They also pile up in the gutters. Generally,
they make a mess
.
What kills elm trees?
Elm phloem necrosis, also called elm yellows, is caused by a bacteria-like organism called a
phytoplasma carried by leafhoppers and spittlebugs
. It is untreatable and can kill a mature tree in a year or two.
Why are elm trees dying?
Dutch elm disease
is caused by the the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi that clogs the vascular tissues within a tree preventing water movement to the crown. … Both species of beetles are attracted to stressed or dying elm trees and dead elm wood.
