How Tall Would a Lacebark Elm Be in Five Years?

Identification

• Also called Chinese elm, this Far East native is winter hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. At maturity, it can be as tall as 40 or 50 feet with an eventual canopy spread of 25 to 40 feet. The lacebark elm blooms late, producing insignificant reddish-green blossoms in August or September, followed by initially lime green, later deep red, samaras that hang from the tree. Dark green, glossy foliage turns to red, orange, gold, yellow and purple in late fall.

5-Year Height

• The lacebark elm has a widely varying growth rate, ranging from moderate to rapid. A tree that grows moderately may only add 12 inches to its height in a single growing season, whereas a tree that grows rapidly may add 24 inches or more. The lacebark elm cultivar “Dynasty” can grow between 12 and 36 inches in one year. A 5-year-old tree, therefore, could be anywhere between 5 and 15 feet, assuming its vertical growth has never been pruned severely. At 5 years old, most lacebark elms will be an upright oval shape.

Factors Influencing Growth

• Lacebark elms, like all trees, vary in their growth rate for several reasons. For one thing, proper culture helps a tree grow faster. Lacebark elms prefer a site in full sun or light shade, planted in rich, moist soil. They are tolerant of both sogginess and dryness but prefer a steady water supply. Growth rate also depends on tree health, which depends in turn on crown health and the amount of nutrients it is able to photosynthesize through its leaves. Maintaining a healthy tree in full sun is the best way to ensure a rapid growth rate.

Planting Considerations

• Because they adapt to a variety of conditions including air pollution, lacebark elms are good additions to both urban and rural landscapes. It is a good city tree, planted along street medians or driveways, as well as a good shade tree in larger areas. However, you must prune it to encourage a strong branch structure; otherwise its branches could break under stress. At only 5 years of age, the tree provides dappled rather than full shade.