Home / Cedar Elm Tree
Cedar Elm Tree
Cedar Elm Tree
1 / 2
Tree

Cedar Elm Tree

5.0/5 1 review
Will it grow where you live?

Zones 6-9

Size: 6-7 ft
$152 $190

Black Friday price 20% off, applied automatically at checkout

Black Friday Sale

20% off sitewide

Ends inSun, Nov 29

Take 20% off orders of $150+, applied automatically at checkout.

Unlocked. You save $38 on this at checkout.

Get it soonFree shipping over $249

Buy more, save more

Save up to $1,000 on your whole cart.

See all savings tiers
Free shipping$249+
Automatic
10% offAny 2 items
$50 off$350+
$125 off$750+
$300 off$1,500+
$500 off$2,500+
$750 off$3,250+
$1,000 off$4,000+

Your code will auto-apply at checkout.

1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts

From our farm to your front door

  • Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
  • Soil secured so it stays put in transit
  • Packed so the plant stays steady on the way to you

At a glance

Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
When the top 2–3" of soil is dry
Growth & 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.
Botanical name
Ulmus crassifolia
Hardiness
Zones 6-9
Tolerates
Heat tolerantHumidity tolerantDrought tolerantWind tolerant
USDA zone map for Cedar Elm Tree

Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.

Not sure it'll thrive where you live?Real people who answer questions before and after planting.
Chat now

What customers are saying

5.0
out of 5 · 1 verified reviews

Why customers love it

Healthy, well-rooted plants

Hand-selected and shipped in its nursery pot.

Delivered to your door

Skip the nursery trip. Very little car Tetris required.

Real plant experts

Ask us anything before or after planting.

1-year guarantee

If something goes wrong, we'll help make it right.

Care made simple

Plant it right once and it does the rest.

Sun
Full Sun

Pick the spot before you dig.

Water
When the top 2–3" of soil is dry

Water slowly and deeply. Check more often in its first summer.

Grows in
Zones 6-9

Enter your ZIP above to check your zone.

Your first year together

  1. 1Day 1

    Plant it, then water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.

  2. 2First few weeks

    Keep the soil evenly moist while new roots settle in.

  3. 3First summer

    Water deeply during hot, dry spells.

  4. 4Next spring

    New growth starts. Feed as it wakes up.

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.
Watering & sunlight
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.

Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering.

Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.

Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.

Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.

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

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.

Shipping & what's inside

Your plant ships in its nursery pot with the soil secured, packed so it stays steady on the way to you.

1-year guarantee

Every plant is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.

Answered by Simply Trees plant experts
How big does Cedar Elm Tree get?
Cedar Elm Trees typically grow 40–60 feet tall and 30–50 feet wide, forming a large shade canopy.
How fast does Cedar Elm Tree grow?
This tree has a moderate growth rate, typically growing about 1–2 feet per year.
Where is the best place to plant Cedar Elm Tree?
Plant in a full sun location with well-draining soil and enough space for its mature size.
How far apart should I plant Cedar Elm Trees?
Plant about 30–40 feet apart to allow room for canopy spread and airflow.
Is Cedar Elm drought tolerant?
Yes. Once established, Cedar Elm is highly drought tolerant, making it ideal for dry climates.
Does Cedar Elm grow well in clay soil?
Yes. It is very adaptable and can perform well in clay and alkaline soils.
Are Cedar Elm roots safe near sidewalks or foundations?
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.
Will this tree handle extreme Texas heat without struggling?
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.
Does Cedar Elm provide dense shade or filtered shade?
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.
Will Cedar Elm grow straight or need staking and training?
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.
Still deciding? Our plant experts reply fast on live chat. Chat with us

You might also like

Free landscape design toolNot sure what to plant? Design your yard.Upload a photo of your yard and get a planting plan plus a rendering of the design. Design my landscape