American Elm
Ulmus americana
American Elm (Ulmus americana) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 50–70 ft tall and 40–60 ft wide, fast-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Scale.
low to medium water50–70 ft tall and 40–60 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: "Img ulmus americana 2209" by User Henryhartley on en.wikipedia is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 2: Marty Aligata
- Photo 3: "Ulmus americana Madison - Harvey st." by Gmihail at Serbian Wikipedia is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/rs/deed.en/.
- Photo 4: "Ulmus americana 01 by Line1" by Liné1 is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 5: "Ulmus americana" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 6: "Ulmus americana" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 2–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 50–70 ft tall and 40–60 ft wide
- Mature form
- Vase-shaped
- Spacing / clearance
- ~60 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Fall color
- Yellow
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Insects & DiseasesMain pressure here is Dutch elm disease, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Dutch elm disease (esp. American elm)
- Elm leaf beetle and European elm scale
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is American Elm good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, American Elm is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does American Elm get?
- It matures to about 50–70 ft tall and 40–60 ft wide.
- How much room does American Elm need?
- Give American Elm about 60 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does American Elm grow into?
- American Elm typically grows into a vase shape, a narrower base flaring to a high, arching crown that lifts over a patio or street. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is American Elm hardy on the Front Range?
- American Elm is hardy in USDA 2–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does American Elm need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does American Elm grow?
- American Elm is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does American Elm live?
- American Elm has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does American Elm turn in fall?
- American Elm turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is American Elm native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is American Elm deer-resistant?
- American Elm is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is American Elm prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- American Elm can be affected by dutch elm disease (esp. American elm) and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
