How to Trim a Siberian Elm

Siberian elm is a fast-growing tree that is often planted to provide quick shade. Because it is fast-growing, it needs to be pruned vigorously. The wood is brittle and prone to damage from strong winds and ice. Avoid pruning elm trees in the winter through early spring to avoid excessive bleeding. You can prune elm from late summer through fall. Remove damaged, broken, diseased and low-hanging branches regularly to keep your Siberian elms healthy.

Pruning shears
Branch cutters
Work gloves
Safety goggles

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect each tree for damaged, broken and diseased branches. Trim small branches with pruning shears. Use branch cutters to prune larger branches. Cut off the branches at a downward 45-degree angle close to the nearest healthy branch or limb. Trim the branch just beyond the crotch of the limb.
- 2
  Prune low-lying branches that hang low to the ground, following the same procedure you used to trim the branches in Step 1. These branches can potentially injure passersby.
- 3
  Look over the entire tree for insects. Siberian elms are susceptible to elm leaf beetle. Cut off any branches that appear to be insect-infested, following the same procedure you used in Step 1.

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