Ulmus americana – American Elm - Evergreen Trees Direct

Ulmus americana – American Elm

$145.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 30cm/33cm

30cm/33cm 40cm/45L 100L

All stock is grown, maintained and graded in strict accordance with AS 4373-2007, Australian Standard for Nursery Stock.

Current Stock Height Guides

100L: 3.0m - 3.5m approx.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 18–25 metres

Mature Width: 15–20 metres

Ulmus americana – American Elm is expected to grow 60–90cm per year (moderate to fast).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Trade

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

Register or learn more ›

Shipping

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

There is no charge to calculate your freight.

Contact

Have a question or a list to send through to us?

Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

Our 20% Off EOFY Sale is Live

20% off sale applies automatically at checkout. No Code Required. Applies to Orders over $1,500

About Your New Ulmus americana – American Elm

Ulmus americana, commonly known as the American Elm, is a large deciduous tree with a broad, arching habit and a strong central trunk. It develops an expansive, vase-shaped canopy supported by sweeping limbs, with medium green, serrated leaves that create a dense crown through the growing season. The branching structure is open yet balanced, forming a classic avenue and shade tree profile.

It performs best in full sun and prefers well-drained soils with consistent moisture, though it tolerates a wide range of soil types once established. Ulmus americana is well suited to cool temperate and temperate climates and tolerates frost, wind exposure, and urban conditions. Maintenance requirements are moderate, typically involving formative pruning when young and periodic canopy management as the tree matures.

They look excellent when used as shade trees, avenue plantings, and feature trees in large residential, civic, and park landscapes. This species is commonly specified where broad canopy coverage, long-term performance, and classic deciduous form are required.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Features and Benefits

Organically certified product
Improves aeration for roots
A rich blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, Gypsum, composted coarse bark and wetting agent
Excellent to mix with heavy clay soils, an organic mixture with added gypsum which is perfect for exotic plants
Revitalises tired soils, adds nutrient and organic matter, no chemical additives, weed free
Assists in retaining moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering

Directions For Use

Water plant well at least several hours prior to planting.
Dig a hole at least twice the width of the pot and 7cm deeper than the pot.
Mix Grow Better Enriched Planting Mix with the soil that has been dug out of the hole, adding about 1/3 planting mix.
Spread a 7cm layer of improved soil in the hole and remove plant from the pot. Tease roots gently if the root ball is very firm and place plant in the planting hole. Check that pot soil is level with the surrounding soil surface level, not higher or lower.
Fill in the hole with improved soil mixture, firm down soil and water well adding Grow Better Plant Starter to final watering.

View full details

Type:

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Type: Structural Foliage

Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls

From $200.00

Type: Feature Trees

Ficus microcarpa ‘Flash’ – Pleached Ficus

$720.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Murraya paniculata Orange Jasmine

From $120.00

Type: Evergreen

Gardenia augusta ‘Magnifica’ – Magnifica Gardenia

From $85.00

Type: Feature Tree

Lagerstroemia indica 'Natchez' White Crepe Myrtle

From $150.00

Type: Feature Tree

Lagerstroemia indica 'Tuscarora' Dark Pink Crepe Myrtle

From $120.00

Uses in my Garden

Shade Tree
Avenue Planting
Council or Civic Landscapes

Ulmus americana – American Elm works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.

Is Ulmus americana – American Elm Evergreen or Deciduous?

Ulmus americana – American Elm is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 18–25 metres

Mature Width: 15–20 metres

Ulmus americana – American Elm is expected to grow 60–90cm per year (moderate to fast).

Growth Rate of Ulmus americana – American Elm

Ulmus americana – American Elm is expected to grow 60–90cm per year (moderate to fast).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate
Fast Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Ulmus americana – American Elm

Is Ulmus americana – American Elm frost tolerant?

Ulmus americana – American Elm is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Ulmus americana – American Elm Flower?

Ulmus americana does not produce ornamental flowers. Its small, inconspicuous blooms appear in early spring and are quickly followed by papery winged seeds, with the tree valued primarily for its majestic form and shade-providing canopy rather than its flowering display.

Does Ulmus americana – American Elm flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Winter
Spring

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Ulmus americana – American Elm an Australian Native Tree?

No

Ulmus americana – American Elm is Native to Eastern North America, where Ulmus americana grows naturally along riverbanks, floodplains, and moist woodlands in temperate regions.

What is the Wildlife Value of Ulmus americana – American Elm ?

Its broad canopy provides valuable shelter and nesting habitat for small birds, while the foliage supports a wide range of beneficial insects that contribute to healthy garden ecosystems. The tree’s structure and seasonal seed production also support local food webs, making it a useful biodiversity-enhancing species in larger landscapes.

How much Sunlight does Ulmus americana – American Elm need?

Ulmus americana – American Elm will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Ulmus americana performs best in well-drained loam soils with consistent moisture and a neutral pH. It will also tolerate sandy soils if enriched with organic matter to improve water retention and fertility. Avoid compacted, poorly drained or waterlogged ground unless significantly improved, as these conditions can restrict root development and reduce vigour. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the tree matures.

Is Ulmus americana – American Elm Drought Tolerant?

Is Ulmus americana – American Elm Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it benefits from regular deep watering to establish a strong root system. Once established, Ulmus americana develops moderate drought tolerance and performs reliably through warm, dry periods when planted in suitable soils, with occasional supplementary watering supporting canopy health during extended heat.

youtube

How To Plant Your Ulmus americana – American Elm

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Ulmus americana – American Elm

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Ulmus americana – American Elm is expected to grow 60–90cm per year (moderate to fast).

Medium Growth Rate
Fast Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Ulmus americana – American Elm

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Ulmus americana – American Elm in Different Soil

Ulmus americana performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Ulmus americana suitable as a street or avenue tree?
A: Yes, it is widely used for avenue and street planting where space allows for its mature size.

Q: How fast does American Elm grow?
A: It has a moderate to fast growth rate, commonly growing around 60–90cm per year under suitable conditions.

Q: Does it tolerate cold climates?
A: Yes, it is frost tolerant and performs reliably in cool temperate regions.

Q: Does it require regular pruning?
A: Formative pruning is recommended when young, with occasional maintenance pruning as the tree matures.