Frontier Elm

Frontier Elm (Ulmus carpinifolia x parvifolia 'Frontier') is a deciduous shade tree bred to give you the classic elm shape without the disease problems that ruined the old ones. It grows to around 10m tall and 6m wide in an upright vase form, casts genuine summer shade, then turns deep burgundy before dropping its leaves. Winter sun reaches the house again, which is the whole argument for a deciduous tree.

Why you'll love it

• Burgundy autumn colour. The leaves turn a deep wine red rather than the yellow most elms manage, and hold that colour for weeks.
• Disease resistance. This hybrid was selected for resistance to the diseases that made older elms a risk, so it is a safer long term choice.
• An upright vase shape. Branches lift away from the trunk, so you get shade over a driveway or seating area without losing headroom.
• Hard to upset. Frost, heat, drought and poor soil are all within its range once it is established.

Where it works best

Shade over a yard. One tree covers a seating area or a good part of a back lawn. Allow at least 6m of clear width and keep it 4m or more from the house.

Driveways and avenues. Space trees 8m to 10m apart down a drive so each canopy has room to form its vase without crowding the next.

Feature planting. On a larger block it stands well on its own in lawn, where the autumn colour has a plain green background to work against.

Growing Frontier Elm in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, with room overhead and to the sides. It is at home in warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and arid to semi arid gardens, and is frost hardy, so cold southern and inland districts suit it well. It is not a tree for the wet tropics.

Soil. It copes with poor and compacted soil better than most shade trees. Dig a wide hole rather than a deep one, work compost through the backfill, and mulch 75mm deep clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first two summers to drive the roots down, then it becomes drought tolerant. A complete slow release fertiliser in early spring for the first few years is enough.

Pruning and roots. Prune in winter while it is bare, removing crossing branches and lifting the lower limbs for clearance. Elm roots are vigorous, so keep the tree well clear of pipes, tanks and paving.

What to expect when it arrives

Frontier Elm is grown in two advanced sizes: 45L and 100L. Both arrive as trees with a formed trunk and a clear head, not whips, so you are buying real height on day one. The 100L is the choice where you want an established look immediately.

If it arrives in winter it will be bare, which is normal for a deciduous tree and not a sign of trouble. Trees are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery, and advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Every tree carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Compare the range in deciduous trees.
• Read about the best canopy trees to create shade.
• See the options for driveway trees.
• Browse more autumn colour plants.

Common questions

How fast does it grow?

It is a moderate to quick grower once the roots are away. From a 100L tree, expect meaningful shade within three to four seasons.

How far from the house should I plant it?

At least 4m from a wall and further from pipes or a septic system, because elm roots are vigorous. Allow 6m of width for the canopy so you are not pruning it back every year.

Does it lose its leaves everywhere in Australia?

Yes, it is fully deciduous. In cool districts the leaf drop is sharp and early, while in warmer temperate gardens the colour holds later and the bare period is shorter.