Lacebark Elm Tree for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Planting and Care

by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on July 12, 2022

Planting instructions

The prerequisites for a proper lacebark elm tree growing location are full sunlight and moist, well-draining soils that hold plenty of organic nutrients. Beyond those needs, the lacebark elm tree is not too picky. It can adapt to a wide range of soil pH levels and is also tolerant of the harsh conditions that are often present in urban environments. That last trait, along with the excellent shape of this tree, has made the lacebark elm one of the most reliable street trees throughout USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9.

Watering and nutrients

Your goal when watering a lacebark elm tree is to maintain a relatively consistent level of soil moisture at all times. The best way to ensure such moisture is to monitor the soil for dryness. When you notice the first layers of soil have become dry, it’s a good idea to add water. Generally, this will amount to a watering frequency of once per week or once every other week during the growing season. You can also fertilize throughout the growing season, about once per month or more, with a balanced fertilizer blend.

Pollination

Although the lacebark elm tree is quite beautiful, its flowers are not likely a trait that you’ll notice. The flowers of this species are entirely functional rather than holding ornamental value. Each lacebark elm tree will bloom in spring with both male and female flowers on a single tree, allowing for self-pollination. These flowers are small and well-hidden behind the tree’s leaves. When in bloom, the flowers will release their pollen into the air to allow for the possibility of pollination.

Pruning

You should avoid pruning a lacebark elm tree during the spring season, as doing so at that time can cause the plant to bleed significant amounts of sap, which is detrimental to its overall health. The best time to prune is in summer when the sap no longer runs to the same degree. When you prune, use clean tools to remove any branch that is dead, damaged, or shows signs of disease. Regarding aesthetics, you should encourage a single central leader and prune lower branches to emphasize the overall vase shape this plant can achieve.

Pests, diseases, and animals

One of the most noteworthy characteristics of the lacebark elm tree is its amazing ability to resist both pests and diseases. Most importantly, the lacebark elm tree rarely falls victim to Dutch elm disease, a disease that has essentially wiped out other popular elm varieties. However, the resilience of this plant does not end there, as it also resists many other common garden infestations and infections, including canker, leaf spots, wilt, and more. When such complications do arise, they are often quite mild as well.

Achieving maximum results

The lacebark elm tree is an excellent species to place in areas where other plants may struggle. For instance, not only does the lacebark elm tree have great disease and pest resistance, but it can also withstand flooding, drought, and air pollution. If you live in an area where winters are cold, you also won’t need to worry too much about winter damage, as lacebark elm trees are surprisingly capable of shedding ice and snow without breaking.

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