Overview

Introduce classic American elegance to your landscape with the majestic American Elm Tree. This offering is for a 5 ft American Elm Tree supplied as a robust bare-root plant, ready for establishment in your garden. Known scientifically as Ulmus americana, this species is celebrated for its distinctive, vase-shaped growth habit and broad, spreading canopy, which provides exceptional shade. Historically a prominent feature of American streets and parks, the American Elm Tree offers both beauty and ecological benefits. Our bare-root specimens allow for easy planting and strong root development, ensuring a healthy start for your future mature tree. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to cultivate a grand and enduring presence in their outdoor environment, transforming any space into a verdant sanctuary.

The 5 ft American Elm Tree is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America, prized for its impressive size and graceful form. When mature, it can reach significant heights, developing a fan-shaped crown that provides ample shade and a striking visual impact. This bare-root elm is a fantastic option for eager gardeners and landscapers who appreciate the opportunity to nurture a plant from its foundational stage. Investing in an Ulmus americana means investing in a piece of natural heritage that will enhance your property for generations.

Key Benefits

The American Elm Tree offers numerous advantages, making it a highly desirable addition to any garden or landscape. Its striking appearance and ecological contributions are just a few reasons to choose this magnificent species.

• Exceptional Shade Provider: The mature American Elm Tree develops a wide, spreading canopy, creating a dense and cooling shade ideal for patios, lawns, and outdoor living areas. This natural cooling can also help reduce energy costs for nearby buildings.
• Iconic Landscape Feature: With its classic vase-shaped form and graceful drooping branches, the American Elm Tree is a truly iconic and beautiful landscape tree, adding significant aesthetic value and a sense of grandeur to any property.
• Wildlife Habitat: This tree provides valuable shelter and food for various wildlife, including birds and small mammals, contributing to local biodiversity and supporting a healthy ecosystem.
• Adaptable Growth: While preferring rich, moist soils, the bare-root elm is quite adaptable to a range of soil conditions and urban environments, making it suitable for various planting locations.
• Fast Growth Rate: Once established, the American Elm Tree exhibits a relatively fast growth rate, allowing you to enjoy its benefits and majestic presence sooner rather than later.
• Historic Significance: Planting an Ulmus americana connects you with a rich part of American history and natural heritage, contributing to the revitalization of this beloved species in modern landscapes.
• Enhanced Property Value: Large, well-established shade trees like the American Elm Tree can significantly increase property value due to their aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your American Elm Tree bare-root plant involves several key steps to ensure its successful establishment and healthy growth. Upon arrival, inspect the roots and soak them in water for 2-6 hours before planting. Choose a site with full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The bare-root elm prefers rich, moist, well-draining soil, but it can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay and sandy soils, as long as drainage is adequate. Good soil health is crucial for a thriving Ulmus americana.

When planting your 5 ft American Elm Tree, dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the spread of the roots without bending them, and deep enough so that the root collar (where the roots meet the trunk) is at or slightly above ground level. Backfill with native soil, gently tamping to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly. Consistent watering is vital during the first few years, especially during dry periods. Aim for deep watering 1-2 times per week, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. A 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree (keeping it away from the trunk) will help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Fertilization is generally not necessary in the first year; after that, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring if soil tests indicate a nutrient deficiency. Monitor for common elm pests and diseases, and consult local extension services for specific treatments if required to protect your shade tree.

Size & Details

This offering is for one American Elm Tree supplied as a 5 ft bare-root plant. Bare-root plants are dormant trees shipped without soil around their roots, which allows for easier transport and often results in faster establishment once planted. At maturity, the American Elm Tree (Ulmus americana) can reach impressive heights of 70 feet or more, though many modern landscape specimens are managed to remain smaller, often around 30-50 feet. It develops a broad, fan-shaped crown that can spread 30-60 feet wide, providing excellent shade. The growth rate is moderate to fast, typically adding 1-2 feet per year once established. The fruits, which are small, winged seeds, appear in drooping clusters in March-May. This landscaping tree is ready to be planted directly into your garden or a large container.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: This American Elm Tree starts as a 5 ft bare-root plant. At maturity, it can grow to 70 feet or more in height and spread 30-60 feet wide, though many are maintained at smaller sizes in urban landscapes.
• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: This product is a bare-root plant, meaning it is shipped without a pot and without soil around its roots. It is ready for direct planting in the ground.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The American Elm Tree is an outdoor plant, ideally suited for large landscapes, gardens, and urban settings where it can grow into a magnificent shade tree.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: This tree thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and health.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Once established, the bare-root elm is relatively low-maintenance. The initial planting and establishment phase requires consistent watering and attention.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: The 5 ft American Elm Tree will arrive as a dormant bare-root plant, carefully packaged to protect its roots during transit.
• Q: When is the best time to plant? A: Bare-root trees like the Ulmus americana are best planted in late winter or early spring, before they break dormancy.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: The American Elm Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 3-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates across the United States.
• Q: What type of soil does it prefer? A: This shade tree prefers rich, moist, well-draining soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including clay and sandy soils, provided they drain well.
• Q: Is this a good choice for a landscaping tree? A: Absolutely! The American Elm Tree is an excellent choice for a landscaping tree due to its grand size, elegant form, and significant shade provision.