Description:

A larger elm introduction from the Chicagoland Grows program that is fast-growing, vigorous, tough and adaptable to diverse conditions including some drought, very resistant to Dutch Elm Disease; a fine shade tree for larger properties

Ornamental Features

Commendation Elm has forest green deciduous foliage on a tree with an oval habit of growth. The large serrated pointy leaves turn an outstanding yellow in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Commendation Elm is a deciduous tree with a shapely oval form. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Commendation Elm is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Shade

Planting & Growing

Commendation Elm will grow to be about 60 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 50 feet. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 7 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 90 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.