deciduous tree
Lacebark Elm: pruning, storm risk and removal
Ulmus parvifolia. Also called Chinese elm, Drake elm, Evergreen 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.
Lacebark Elm at a glance
| Height | 40-50 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 40-50 ft |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| USDA zones | 5-9 |
| Lifespan | Typically 60-100 years or more |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | China, Korea and Japan. In the US it is a popular landscape and street tree, planted widely in the South and Midwest. |
| Roots | Medium depth, spreading and fibrous. Adapts to many soils, including clay and compacted urban sites. Tolerates drought and heat once established. |
| Wood | Hard, dense and tough, with interlocking grain that is difficult to split. Seasoned wood burns fairly well. Branches are generally stronger than Siberian elm. |
| Storm risk | lowThe wood is stronger than many other elms, and the rounded crown holds up fairly well in wind. Poor branch structure from lack of early pruning can still cause splits. |
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 lacebark elm
Best time to prune
Late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Train young trees to one strong central leader and well-spaced branches, and remove crossing limbs.
Avoid pruning
Avoid heavy pruning during the growing season. Do not top. Avoid removing too much of the lower bark-showing structure that gives the tree its look.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- This is one of the more reliable elms to plant, with good resistance to Dutch elm disease and attractive flaking bark.
- Give it room. It grows wide, and the roots spread.
- Prune young trees to build a strong structure. This prevents bigger problems later.
- Water deeply during long dry periods in the first few years.
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 lacebark elm
- 1Inspect branch unions on mature trees for included bark and splits.
- 2Interlocked grain slows cutting and splitting. Plan for extra time and a hydraulic splitter.
- 3Rounded, wide crowns call for a larger drop zone.
- 4Customers like the mottled bark. Be careful not to damage it during pruning or lowering.
Removal notes
Usually a medium-size removal. Because of dense, interlocking wood, it is slow to cut and tough to split. Branching can be wide, so plan the drop zone. Resprouting from stumps is possible. Seedlings can pop up in some areas.
Wood
Hard, dense and tough, with interlocking grain that is difficult to split. Seasoned wood burns fairly well. Branches are generally stronger than Siberian elm.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for lacebark 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 lacebark elm grows
Native range: China, Korea and Japan. In the US it is a popular landscape and street tree, planted widely in the South and Midwest.
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Lacebark Elm: common questions
Is lacebark elm resistant to Dutch elm disease?
It has good resistance and is often planted as a replacement for American elm. Resistance is not the same as immunity, so watch for problems.
What is special about the bark?
As the tree matures, the bark flakes off in patches, showing a mix of gray, green, orange and brown. This is where the name lacebark comes from.
How fast does a lacebark elm grow?
At a medium to fast pace, often 1 to 2 feet a year when young and well watered.
When does it flower?
In late summer to fall, unlike most elms that flower in early spring. The flowers are small and easy to miss.
Is lacebark elm messy?
It drops small seeds in fall and some leaves and twigs. It is generally less messy than Siberian elm. Seedlings can be a minor weed in some places.
Does it need pruning?
Yes, especially when young, to build a strong structure with one main leader and spaced branches. Mature trees need little beyond removing dead or crossing limbs.
More trees in the same regions
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