Cedar Elm Tree

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1 YEAR GUARANTEE

all our plants and trees are now covered by our 1 year guarantee. Learn more

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SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES
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1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 7 or 10 or 15 gallon

*Nursery gallon sizes are trade sizes and do not equal standard liquid gallons

**Pot sizes in inches refer to container width (diameter), not plant or pot height.


Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties and growers. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

The Cedar Elm Tree is a hardy, native shade tree known for its adaptability, durability, and attractive canopy. It provides excellent shade while tolerating heat, drought, and a wide range of soil conditions. With its strong structure and low maintenance needs, it’s a great choice for residential landscapes and large properties.

  • Botanical name: Ulmus crassifolia
  • Deciduous
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial sun.

WATER:
Water when the top 2–3 inches of soil begin to dry. Approximately once per week during establishment, then less frequently once established. Watering frequency may vary based on climate and establishment phase.

IDEAL CLIMATE:
Hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Cedar Elm thrives in hot, dry climates and adapts well to urban and southern landscapes.

Note: Cedar Elm is known for its late-season leaf drop, often holding leaves longer than many other deciduous trees.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Cedar Elm Tree, scientifically known as Ulmus crassifolia, is a tough, adaptable shade tree native to Texas and the southern U.S. Known for its small textured leaves and strong branching structure, this elm provides reliable shade and excellent durability in urban and residential landscapes. It’s especially valued for its drought tolerance, heat resistance, and ability to handle a wide range of soil conditions, making it a dependable, low-maintenance choice for homeowners.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate. Cedar Elm typically grows 1–2 feet per year and reaches 40–60 feet tall and 30–50 feet wide at maturity.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water deeply once per week during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, Cedar Elm is drought tolerant and typically only needs supplemental watering during extended dry periods. Watering needs will vary depending on climate, soil type, and rainfall.

Cedar Elm grows best in full sun, though it can tolerate partial sun.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Prune in late winter while the tree is dormant to remove dead or damaged branches and establish a strong structure. Young trees benefit from structural pruning early on.

FERTILIZING:
Apply a balanced slow-release tree fertilizer in early spring if needed, especially in poor soils. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Cedar Elm is cold hardy within its recommended zones and typically requires no winter protection once established. Applying 2–3 inches of mulch around the base can help protect roots and retain moisture.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Choose a planting location with full sun to partial sun and well-draining soil. Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball and about the same depth as the container. Place the tree in the hole, backfill with soil, and gently firm to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 6-9

Cedar Elm grows well in USDA Zones 6–9 and thrives in hot, dry climates as well as more humid regions. It is highly adaptable to different soil types, including clay and alkaline soils, and performs well in urban environments. This native tree is especially well-suited for Texas and southern landscapes where heat and drought tolerance are essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Elm Trees typically grow 40–60 feet tall and 30–50 feet wide, forming a large shade canopy.

This tree has a moderate growth rate, typically growing about 1–2 feet per year.

Plant in a full sun location with well-draining soil and enough space for its mature size.

Plant about 30–40 feet apart to allow room for canopy spread and airflow.

Yes. Once established, Cedar Elm is highly drought tolerant, making it ideal for dry climates.

Yes. It is very adaptable and can perform well in clay and alkaline soils.

Cedar Elm has a moderately spreading root system that is not typically considered invasive. For best results, plant at least 15–20 feet away from structures to allow proper root and canopy development as the tree matures.

Yes. Cedar Elm is highly heat tolerant and well adapted to hot climates, including Texas summers. Once established, it performs reliably even during extended periods of high temperatures.

Cedar Elm provides moderately dense shade, making it ideal for cooling outdoor areas while still allowing some light to pass through. It strikes a good balance between full shade and filtered light.

Cedar Elm typically develops a strong, upright structure naturally, but young trees may benefit from light structural pruning early on to encourage a well-balanced canopy. Staking is usually only needed during initial establishment in windy areas.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.