David Elm
Ulmus davidiana
David Elm (Ulmus davidiana) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40 to 50 ft tall and 30 to 40 ft wide, fast-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Elm leaf beetle resistant.
Photos
- Photo 1: Ptelea, no known copyright restrictions (public domain)
- Photo 2: (c) Urgamal Magsar, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: (c) Stavast22, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4 to 9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 40 to 50 ft tall and 30 to 40 ft wide
- Mature form
- Vase-shaped
- Spacing / clearance
- ~40 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
- Not rated
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
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 to 10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1 to 2×/month October to 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 David Elm good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, David Elm is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does David Elm get?
- It matures to about 40 to 50 ft tall and 30 to 40 ft wide.
- How much room does David Elm need?
- Give David Elm about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does David Elm grow into?
- David 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 David Elm hardy on the Front Range?
- David Elm is hardy in USDA 4 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does David Elm need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does David Elm grow?
- David Elm is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does David Elm live?
- David Elm has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does David Elm turn in fall?
- David Elm turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is David Elm native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is David Elm prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- David 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.
