The Lacebark Elm, also known as the Chinese Elm, may sound like an exotic species, rarely if ever found in the Midwest, but that’s becoming increasingly inaccurate.

While the Lacebark Elm is native to China, Korea, and Japan, it has steadily become a popular species in the Midwest in recent year. Chances are, you’ve seen more than a few in your neighborhood and may even have one growing in your home’s landscaping.

What Do Lacebark Elms Look Like?

The Lacebark Elm is first and foremost, an elm tree species and has many of the characteristics of elms typically found in American Midwest. They typically reach 40 to 50 feet at full maturity and offer a comparatively broad spread of 25 to 40 feet, giving them the “shade tree” proportions elm species more commonly found in the Midwest.

Lacebark Elms are deciduous trees, recognizable by their reddish-green blooms and their dense, deep green almost oval-shaped leaves. Their most notable – and visually interesting characteristic is their mottled, multi-colored bark, which on mature Lacebark Elms, flakes and uncovers gray, cream, orange, brown and green patches. Also, like many elms, the Lacebark Elm’s blooms produce single-seeded samaras (sometimes referred to as “helicopters”) which spiral down from the trees in the early fall.

Where Do Lacebark Elms Grow Best?

The Lacebark Elm makes an excellent landscaping tree for Missouri and most of the Midwest. They enjoy full sunlight – even during scorching Missouri summers – but can easily tolerate some shade. They also tolerate drought and clay soil, which is typical in the Midwest and can be problematic for many species of trees.

The Lacebark Elm grows well in well-drained soil and medium moisture. However, they are adaptable and can handle – and thrive in – wet and dry locations. This species – as with many elm varieties – develops deep and widespread root systems, which means they are best suited for locations not immediately adjacent to buildings, driveways, or sidewalks.

What Are The Main Threats To Lacebark Elms?

One of the Lacebark Elm’s best attributes is its resistance to Dutch Elm disease, an incurable fungal disease carried by two varieties of elm bark beetles that can kill an elm tree in as few as one to two years. Unlike most elm species, the Lacebark Elm is highly resistant to the affliction. It also has excellent resistance to Japanese Beetles and Elm Leaf beetles.

Lacebark Elms are not typically threatened by common infestations such as the leaf miner, galls, lace bugs, borers, caterpillars and weevils. While wilt and chlorisis are occasional problems for Lacebarks, they have excellent resistance to diseases such as shoestring root rot, anthracnose, leaf blister, cankers, leaf spots and powdery mildew which are often problematic for many tree species native to Missouri and the Midwest.

How Should Lacebark Elms Be Used In Landscaping?

Lacebark Elms offer an excellent set of attributes to homeowners. With their significant spread at maturity, they make outstanding shade trees. But they’re not so tall and broad that they require an enormous open expanse. These elms make an excellent centerpiece for smaller and mid-sized backyards – or front yards – and grow fairly quickly, so unlike many oak species that can take 40 years to reach maturity, Lacebark Elms will often reach maturity in as few as half that time. In larger spaces, a pair of Lacebarks will offer a substantial aesthetic element to a yard and plenty of shade without reaching 70 to 90 feet in height.

Finally, Lacebark Elms require little in the way of maintenance, needing only occasional pruning and care for broken branches.

Is The Lacebark Elm Right For You And Your Home? Consult With The Experts At Hansen’s Tree Service Today!

Our certified arborists are experts at assessing which species of tree best meets a homeowner’s objectives and environment. Their extensive experience with hundreds of tree species can make a crucial difference when it comes to helping you decide which trees are right for you and your home. Chances are that the Lacebark Elm may be just one of many trees that will help you beautify and get the most out of your property.

Contact us today and let our insured, experienced professionals take care of all your tree-related needs!