How to Care for the Cedar Elm

Plant your cedar elm in plenty of sunlight, from eight to 10 hours a day. This tree does poorly in shade, so it’s essential to plant in sunnier areas of the landscape. It will grow better in areas with regular access to water but can tolerate drought. Plant the cedar elm in an area that doesn’t experience harsh winters. This tree grows naturally in a nearly frost-free region, so it tolerates low temperatures of about 40 degrees Fahrenheit or more. If your winters are colder, plant the tree in a container and bring it inside during the winter.

Prune the cedar elm only to maintain a pleasing shape. It rarely needs pruning, but sometimes an unruly or dead stem needs to be trimmed out. Avoid pruning from about April to August, when the elm bark beetle is active. This beetle is attracted to freshly trimmed elm and carries Dutch elm disease.

Provide supplemental water only during the first year after planting or during drought. Your cedar elm tolerates light droughts and will not like excessive water, so it’s essential to choose an area with good drainage. Soils can be slightly moist but not wet.

Watch your cedar elm for diseases. Cedar elm is susceptible to Dutch Elm disease, but not as sensitive as the American Elm, which has been devastated by the disease. If the tree contracts the disease, it should be removed. Your cedar elm also may suffer from elm phloem necrosis, and the diseases both have similar symptoms. Both of these diseases may be controlled with an injection of tetracycline antibiotic.