American Elm

American Elm (Ulmus americana) is a genuine parkland shade tree, fast to about 15m tall and 12m wide, with a vase shaped crown that lifts high on a clear trunk before arching outwards. It is the tree to plant when you have open ground and want deep summer shade within years rather than decades. The foliage turns clear yellow late in the season, and the bare winter frame stands up on its own.

Why you'll love it

• Real shade, quickly. Fast growth and a wide spreading crown mean a usable canopy over a lawn or paddock while you are still young enough to sit under it.
• A crown you can walk under. The vase shaped habit lifts the branches clear, so there is room to mow, park or place a table beneath it.
• Tough where other trees struggle. Frost hardy, wind firm, comfortable in poor soil and unbothered by ground that stays wet through winter.
• Two seasons of interest. Yellow autumn foliage, then an arching bare silhouette that reads well against a winter sky.

Where it works best

Open ground shade. This is the main use. Allow at least 12m of clear width, and keep it well clear of paving, slabs and service lines.

Driveways and avenues. On a rural entrance or a long drive, plant 10m to 12m apart so the crowns meet overhead without crowding each other.

Damp and exposed paddocks. Wet feet tolerance and wind firmness make it a sound choice for low lying corners and stock shade where hardier trees are needed.

Growing American elm in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, in cool temperate and warm temperate gardens. It is properly frost hardy and handles cold inland winters. Tropical and subtropical gardens are outside its range, so choose an evergreen shade tree for those climates instead.

Soil. Not fussy. It accepts clay, poor soil and seasonal waterlogging, though it grows fastest in deep soil with room to spread. Prepare a wide planting area rather than a deep narrow hole, and mulch 75mm deep clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep soak weekly through the first two summers to draw the roots down. After that it largely looks after itself. A balanced fertiliser in early spring supports fast growth in the establishment years.

Pruning. Formative pruning matters more than ongoing work. In the first few winters select one leader and remove competing stems, and lift the lower branches gradually to the height you want to walk under. Pull off any shoots that rise from the base or the root zone.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in a 45L pot, which is an established young tree with a formed trunk and a light head of branches. Staking for the first two years is worth it on windy sites, since the crown catches wind before the roots have spread. Expect the first season to go into root growth, then noticeably faster extension from the second and third years. Delivered Australia wide, delivery from $29.95, with advanced and large stock freighted at cost. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse fast growing shade trees
• Trees for driveways and avenues
• Compare the deciduous tree range
• Choosing a canopy tree for shade

Common questions

How much room does it need?

Plan for a mature spread of about 12m and plant well clear of buildings and paving. On a standard suburban block it is usually too big, and a smaller shade tree is the better answer.

Can I plant it near a driveway or path?

Close to the surface, no. The roots are strong enough to lift concrete and asphalt over time, so give it open soil and keep hard surfaces several metres away.

How fast does it grow?

Fast for a large deciduous tree once established, with the first year going mostly into roots. Growth slows on dry, shallow or compacted ground.

Does it drop its leaves?

Yes, it is fully deciduous. Leaves yellow and drop late in the season, which is useful if you want winter sun on a north facing wall.