Elm Trees

The Elm tree is one of the first trees to leaf out, light green leaves grace the wispy branches in early spring.

Elm trees are fast growers and become quite large shade trees, requiring full sun and moderate watering.

They can do well in heat and drought conditions, however they thrive in moist locations.

Elm trees love water, like the Mulberries and Willows, and their surface roots will seek out septic tanks, swimming pools, sprinkler system pipes and any other water sources.

The photos to the right are of wild Siberian Elm trees, which do very well here in the desert Southwest, but they can't be found in local nurseries.

There is a cultivated variety of elm, the "Lacebark" Elm that is a better choice for the Southwest desert landscape, it has very attractive exfoliating bark and it is highly resistant to Dutch Elm disease.

The Elm tree is a great fast growing shade tree for the desert Southwest!