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

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: 18m to 25m

Mature Width: 15m to 20m

Ulmus americana – American Elm is expected to grow 60cm to 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)

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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Ulmus americana – American Elm

Ulmus americana, the American Elm, is a large deciduous tree with the vase shaped crown the species is known for. Heavy limbs sweep up and outward before arching over at the tips. The leaves are broad, serrated and rough to the touch, mid green through summer and a clear yellow in autumn.

Full sun and deep, moisture holding soil bring the best growth, around 60 to 90 centimetres a year. It handles a wide range of soils once established, along with frost, wind and compacted urban ground. Cool temperate and temperate districts suit it, through Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and southern New South Wales.

Given 20 to 30 metres of height and 15 to 20 metres of spread at maturity, this is a tree for parks, broad verges and large rural gardens. It is the classic avenue elm, casting deep summer shade and letting winter sun through. Plant it where the canopy will never need cutting back.

Frequently Asked Questions

About American Elm

What is an American Elm?

Ulmus americana is a large deciduous tree from eastern North America, grown for the arching vase shaped crown that made it the classic avenue elm. Heavy limbs rise and then bend outward at the tips. The broad serrated leaves are rough textured, mid green through summer and clear yellow in autumn.

How big does an American Elm grow?

Mature trees reach roughly 20 to 30 metres tall with a spread of 15 to 20 metres. Growth is upward and then outward, so the eventual footprint is wide. It is a tree for parks, wide verges, school grounds and rural properties rather than an average suburban backyard or courtyard.

How fast does it grow?

Growth is moderate to fast, around 60 to 90 centimetres a year in good soil with reliable moisture. Young trees put on height quickly, and the characteristic vase shape develops over the following ten to fifteen years. Growth slows noticeably on dry or compacted ground, so soil preparation pays off.

Is American Elm frost tolerant?

Yes, comfortably. It is a cold climate tree that handles hard frost and cold winters without damage, which makes it well suited to Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and the tablelands of New South Wales. It also copes with wind exposure. Hot, humid subtropical conditions are the least suitable for it.

Is it deciduous?

Yes. The leaves yellow and drop through autumn and the tree stands bare over winter, showing off the branch architecture, then leafs out in spring. Small reddish flowers appear on bare wood in late winter and early spring ahead of the foliage, followed by papery winged seeds.

Is Dutch elm disease a problem in Australia?

Australia is one of the few places in the world free of Dutch elm disease, and strict quarantine keeps it that way. The pest you will actually meet is elm leaf beetle, which skeletonises foliage in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and parts of New South Wales. It is managed by trunk injection or soil treatment.

How do I care for an American Elm?

Water deeply through the first few summers and mulch out towards the drip line. Prune in late winter, removing crossing limbs and narrow forks early so the mature canopy is structurally sound. Monitor for elm leaf beetle from late spring and treat if damage builds. Rub suckers off the base as they appear.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

View full details

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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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: 18m to 25m

Mature Width: 15m to 20m

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

Growth Rate of Ulmus americana – American Elm

Ulmus americana – American Elm is expected to grow 60cm to 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.

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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 60cm to 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.