Chinese Elm Tree

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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

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

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

The Chinese Elm Tree is a popular shade tree known for its graceful shape, adaptability, and attractive bark. It provides excellent shade while being highly tolerant of heat, drought, and urban conditions. Its durability and low maintenance make it a reliable choice for homeowners seeking a long-lasting landscape tree.

  • Botanical name: Ulmus parvifolia
  • Other common names: Lacebark Elm
  • Deciduous to semi-evergreen
  • 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 5–9. Chinese Elm thrives in a wide range of climates, including hot and dry regions.

Note: Chinese Elm can be semi-evergreen in warmer climates, meaning it may retain some leaves through winter.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Chinese Elm Tree, scientifically known as Ulmus parvifolia, is a versatile and durable shade tree known for its graceful arching canopy and attractive mottled bark. This semi-evergreen to deciduous tree features small glossy green leaves that turn shades of yellow in fall. Highly adaptable and resistant to many common elm diseases, the Chinese Elm is a popular choice for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance, fast-growing shade tree for residential landscapes.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Fast growth rate. Chinese Elm typically grows 2–3 feet per year and reaches 40–50 feet tall and 35–45 feet wide at maturity.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

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

Chinese 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 to establish a strong structure. Early structural pruning helps promote a balanced canopy.

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

WINTER PROTECTION:
Chinese Elm is cold hardy within its recommended zones and generally requires no special 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 5-9

Chinese Elm grows well in USDA Zones 5–9 and thrives in a wide range of climates. It is highly adaptable to heat, drought, wind, and urban conditions, making it a great option for both residential and city landscapes. This tree performs well in various soil types, including clay, as long as drainage is adequate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chinese Elm Trees typically grow 40–50 feet tall and 35–45 feet wide, forming a large shade canopy.

This tree has a fast growth rate, typically growing about 2–3 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 development and airflow.

Yes. Once established, Chinese Elm is drought tolerant and performs well in dry conditions.

Chinese Elm roots are not considered aggressively invasive, but like most large shade trees, they can spread over time. Planting at least 15–20 feet away from sidewalks, driveways, and foundations helps prevent future issues.

Yes. This tree is known for its toughness and adaptability, performing well in less-than-ideal soils, including compacted or urban conditions—as long as there is basic drainage.

It depends on your climate. In colder regions (Zones 5–7), Chinese Elm is fully deciduous and will drop its leaves in fall. In warmer climates (Zones 8–9), it may act as semi-evergreen, keeping some foliage through winter.

Yes. Chinese Elm is highly wind tolerant and performs well in open or exposed landscapes, making it a good option for areas with frequent wind or storms.

Yes. It’s valued for its durability, longevity, and low maintenance, making it a strong long-term shade tree that continues to add value and curb appeal over time.

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.