deciduous tree
American Elm: pruning, storm risk and removal
Ulmus americana. Also called White elm, Water elm, Soft elm.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
American Elm at a glance
| Height | 60-80 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 40-60 ft |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| USDA zones | 3-9 |
| Lifespan | Can live 100 years or more, but many are lost much earlier to Dutch elm disease |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | Eastern and central North America, from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to the Great Plains. Common along rivers and in bottomlands. |
| Roots | Shallow, wide-spreading and fibrous. Roots can graft to the roots of nearby elms, which is one way Dutch elm disease passes between trees. Tolerates many soils, including wet ones. |
| Wood | Hard, heavy and tough, with interlocking grain, so it is very hard to split. It is stringy and difficult as firewood. It burns fine when dry but takes a long time to season. |
| Storm risk | mediumMature trees have a vase shape with a big heavy crown and may have included bark in forks. Wind can split large limbs. Trees weakened by Dutch elm disease or decay can drop limbs and fail. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a american elm
Best time to prune
In winter when the tree is dormant. This is also the safest time to prune elm in areas where Dutch elm disease beetles are active. Remove dead wood and weak forks.
Avoid pruning
Do not prune elms from spring through midsummer in areas with Dutch elm disease, since the beetles that carry it are attracted to fresh cuts. Never top.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- If a branch has leaves that turn yellow and wilt in summer, call an arborist right away. This is a classic sign of Dutch elm disease.
- Prune elms in winter, not in spring or summer.
- Ask an arborist about preventive fungicide treatment for large, valuable elms. It must be repeated and is not a guarantee.
- If you want to plant an elm, ask your local nursery about disease-resistant selections.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on american elm
- 1Do not prune elm in the warm season in areas with Dutch elm disease. Follow local rules.
- 2Dispose of diseased elm wood as your town or state requires. Do not leave logs with bark on site or move them for firewood.
- 3Elm wood is stringy and hard to split by hand. Use a hydraulic splitter if the customer wants firewood.
- 4Look closely at forks with included bark on old trees before climbing or rigging.
- 5Clean tools between trees when you work on suspected diseased elms.
Removal notes
Dead elm should be taken down and handled according to local rules, since bark beetles breed in dead and dying elm wood and can spread Dutch elm disease. Many towns require prompt removal and proper disposal. Wood is stringy and hard to split, so plan extra time for processing. Big trees are often a rigging job near buildings and lines.
Wood
Hard, heavy and tough, with interlocking grain, so it is very hard to split. It is stringy and difficult as firewood. It burns fine when dry but takes a long time to season.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for american elm
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where american elm grows
Native range: Eastern and central North America, from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to the Great Plains. Common along rivers and in bottomlands.
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
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American Elm: common questions
What is Dutch elm disease?
It is a fungal disease spread by elm bark beetles and sometimes through grafted roots. It blocks the tree's water flow, causing leaves to yellow and wilt, usually starting on one branch. It has killed millions of American elms.
Why did most American elms disappear?
Dutch elm disease was first found in North America around 1930 and spread through cities and towns over the following decades. Most large street elms were lost, though some survive.
Is it safe to prune an elm in summer?
In areas with Dutch elm disease, it is best not to. Prune from late fall to winter when the beetles are not active. Follow your local forestry rules.
Can an elm with Dutch elm disease be saved?
Sometimes, if caught early. Pruning out the infected branch well below the symptoms and treating with fungicide may help in some cases. Once the disease is in the trunk or roots, the tree usually cannot be saved.
Is elm good firewood?
It burns fairly well once dry, but it is very hard to split because the grain is interlocked, and it can be slow to season. Do not store diseased elm with bark on near other elms.
Are there American elms that resist the disease?
Yes. Several selections have been developed with better resistance. They are not immune. Ask a local nursery or extension office which ones do well in your area.
More trees in the same regions
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