American Elm

What you'll need:

Soil that drains well (they’re not too fussy about soil type, but soggy soil isn’t ideal)

Mulch (to help keep the roots cool and retain moisture)

Shovel or spade

Watering can or hose

• American Elm sapling (these are usually available at nurseries or garden centers)
• A spacious area in your yard (American Elms grow tall and wide, so they’ll need plenty of room!)

When to start:

The best time to plant an American Elm is either early spring or fall. These seasons give the tree a chance to settle in before extreme weather hits—whether it's summer heat or winter cold.

Choosing the right spot:

American Elms love sunlight, so pick a spot that gets plenty of sunshine throughout the day. Since this tree can grow quite large (up to 80 feet tall with a spread of 50 feet), make sure there’s enough space for it to grow without interfering with power lines, buildings, or other trees.

Tip: If you're planting near sidewalks or driveways, leave at least 20-30 feet of clearance to avoid future root issues.

1. Dig the hole: Start by digging a hole that’s about twice as wide as the root ball of your sapling, but no deeper than the height of the root ball. You want the top of the root ball to be level with the ground around it.
2. Position the sapling: Carefully place the sapling in the center of the hole. Make sure the tree stands straight—use a friend to hold it steady if needed.
3. Backfill the soil: Begin filling the hole with the soil you dug out earlier. As you fill, gently press down on the soil to remove air pockets, but don’t pack it too tightly.
4. Water generously: Once the hole is filled, water the base of the tree thoroughly. This helps the soil settle around the roots.
5. Add mulch: Spread a layer of mulch (about 2-3 inches deep) around the base of the tree, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk. This will help keep the roots moist and prevent weeds from growing too close.

Tip: Don’t pile mulch against the trunk—this can cause rot. Keep it looking like a “donut” around the tree.

Watering:

• For the first year after planting, water your American Elm regularly—about once a week if there’s no rain. The soil should stay moist, but not soaking wet.
• After the first year, your tree will be more established and won’t need as much attention. However, during dry spells, especially in summer, give it a good soak every couple of weeks.

Sunlight:

• American Elms thrive in full sun, meaning they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can handle partial shade, but they’ll grow best in bright, open areas.

Pruning:

• Prune your tree every few years to remove dead or damaged branches. This helps keep the tree healthy and encourages strong growth.
• The best time to prune is late winter or early spring, before new growth starts.

Fertilizing:

• Young trees may benefit from a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring. Look for a general-purpose tree fertilizer at your local garden center.
• Be careful not to over-fertilize—too much can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of strong roots.

Tip: Avoid fertilizing late in the growing season; this can encourage tender new growth that may be damaged by frost.

American Elms aren’t grown for fruit or flowers like some other plants, so there’s no traditional "harvest" to worry about. Instead, what you’ll "harvest" is the beauty and shade this majestic tree provides!

However, here are some things to look forward to:

• Shade: Over time, your American Elm will develop a wide canopy, offering lovely shade for picnics, relaxing, or even keeping your home cooler in the summer.
• Fall Foliage: In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful golden-yellow color, adding a stunning touch to your landscape.
• Wildlife: Your tree will also attract birds and other wildlife, making your garden feel more alive and vibrant.

Tip: While you don’t harvest anything directly from the tree, you can collect fallen leaves in the autumn to use as natural mulch or compost!

Q: My American Elm’s leaves are turning yellow and falling off. What’s wrong?

A: Yellowing leaves can happen for several reasons:

• Too much water (make sure the soil isn’t constantly soggy).
• Not enough water (especially during hot, dry spells).
• Nutrient deficiency (a light fertilization in spring might help).

Q: How do I protect my tree from pests and diseases?

A: American Elms can be susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease, which is spread by beetles. To reduce risk:

• Keep your tree healthy with proper watering and pruning.
• Remove and dispose of any infected branches immediately.
• Consider consulting a local arborist for disease-resistant varieties if available.

Q: Should I stake my young American Elm?

A: Only if the tree seems unstable or is in a very windy area. If you do stake it, make sure to remove the stakes after the first year to allow the tree to grow strong on its own.

Q: Can I plant grass under my American Elm?

A: Yes, but it may be difficult to grow thick grass directly under the tree because of shade and competition for nutrients. Consider planting shade-tolerant ground cover instead.

Q: How fast will my American Elm grow?

A: American Elms are considered fast growers, often adding 2-3 feet of height per year when they’re young. With proper care, you’ll have a sizable tree in just a few years.