11 Nov 6 Types of Texas Elm Trees and How to Grow Them in North Texas

Elm trees are a classic sight in North Texas, from Dallas to Fort Worth and beyond. With their broad canopies, sturdy trunks, and generous shade, elms bring both beauty and function to our landscapes, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you’re looking to add natural shade to your yard or simply admire the iconic look of elms, this guide will introduce you to six Texas-friendly elm varieties and provide easy tips for growing them in your own North Texas backyard.

Which Elm Trees Grow Best in North Texas?

If you’re in USDA Zones 7b to 8a, which includes most of North Texas, you’re in the ideal climate for growing several types of elm trees. Each of these varieties brings its own unique character to the landscape, and all are hardy enough to withstand North Texas’s hot summers and occasional winter chills.

Here’s a look at the best elms for the region and what makes each one special.

1. Cedar Elm

A true Texas native, the Cedar Elm is an ideal fit for North Texas landscapes. With its small, rough-textured leaves and naturally rounded shape, this hardy tree can reach heights of up to 70 feet. In the fall, Cedar Elms bring a splash of yellow to the yard, and their drought tolerance makes them well-suited for Texas’s dry spells.

Care Tip: Cedar Elms are low-maintenance, perfect for those looking for a resilient tree that requires minimal upkeep. Just provide them with enough space to grow, and they’ll thrive with little intervention.

2. Lacebark Elm

Lacebark Elms are easy to identify, thanks to their colorful, peeling bark that reveals shades of green, gray, and orange, adding year-round interest. Smaller than some other elms, they grow up to about 50 feet and are exceptionally resistant to pests and diseases.

Care Tip: Lacebark Elms thrive in urban settings and compact spaces, making them ideal for smaller yards in places like Frisco or Plano. Their striking bark adds unique character to your yard, especially in winter when the leaves have fallen.

3. American Elm

For a grand, classic tree shape, the American Elm is a top choice. These majestic trees can reach up to 100 feet tall and feature a distinctive vase-like form that adds elegance to any landscape. Although they were once significantly impacted by Dutch Elm Disease, newer disease-resistant varieties have made them a popular option once again.

Care Tip: American Elms need ample sunlight and space, making them best suited for large backyards. Regular pruning promotes health and helps prevent disease, ensuring these iconic trees thrive in areas like Denton or Arlington.

4. Chinese Elm

Chinese Elms are a bit more compact, reaching around 40-50 feet with a tidy, compact shape and glossy leaves that turn golden in the fall. Highly resistant to disease, they make an attractive and durable choice for North Texas landscapes.

Care Tip: Chinese Elms are excellent for smaller backyards or as accent trees near patios. Once established, they require minimal watering, making them ideal for North Texas’s dry spells and low-maintenance yards.

5. Winged Elm

Named for the distinctive “wings” that grow along their branches, Winged Elms are sturdy, drought-tolerant trees that can reach up to 70 feet. Their resilience and unique appearance make them a popular choice for North Texas landscaping.

Care Tip: Winged Elms adapt well to both clay and sandy soils, making them suitable for areas like Irving or McKinney. Give them a strong start with regular watering during their early years, and they’ll become a low-maintenance, hands-off addition to your landscape.

6. Siberian Elm

Although not native, the Siberian Elm is a resilient, fast-growing tree that handles North Texas’s varied weather conditions with ease—whether it’s heat, drought, or even an occasional freeze. With a rounded shape and quick-growing leaves, it adds lush greenery to any yard.

Care Tip: Siberian Elms are adaptable to nearly any soil type, making them easy to plant in a range of locations. Regular pruning helps control their rapid growth, keeping them in shape and maintaining a tidy appearance in your landscape.

How to Recognize North Texas Elms

Most elm trees are known for their tall, wide canopies and rough, textured bark that’s usually gray or brown. Their leaves are oval with jagged edges, turning shades of yellow or brown in the fall, adding seasonal color to the landscape. In spring, elms produce small, round seeds called samaras that hang from the branches.

In North Texas, elms are often the large, stately trees you’ll find gracing parks and neighborhoods, creating shady spots and enhancing the natural beauty of the area.

The Comeback of Elm Trees in Texas

Elm trees faced a major setback with the spread of Dutch Elm Disease, which was carried by bark beetles and blocked the trees’ water channels, causing widespread die-offs. However, thanks to newer disease-resistant varieties, elms are making a strong comeback. Communities across North Texas are reintroducing these iconic trees to streets and parks, restoring their place in the local landscape.

Today, the Cedar Elm and Lacebark Elm are especially popular choices, helping to revive the beauty and benefits that elms bring to our urban and natural spaces.

How Fast Do Elm Trees Grow?

Elm trees are known for their rapid growth, making them an excellent choice if you’re looking for quick shade. Under optimal conditions, elms can grow up to 3 to 6 feet per year. With proper care, certain species like the American and Cedar Elm can live for over 100 years, creating a lasting legacy that can be enjoyed for generations.

Elm Wood: Strong and Versatile

Elm wood is prized for its strength and resistance to splitting, making it ideal for furniture, flooring, and even shipbuilding in the past. Although the decline of wild elms has made elm wood a rare find, it remains highly valued among woodworkers for its quality and durability in high-end projects.

Tips for Growing Elm Trees in North Texas

Here’s what to keep in mind to keep your elm trees looking great and staying healthy:

• Location: Choose a sunny spot in your yard for your elm. North Texas yards with loamy or clay soils provide an ideal foundation for these trees.
• Soil: Elms adapt well to various soils, including the clay and alkaline soils typical in North Texas. If your soil is heavy clay, mixing in compost can improve drainage.
• Watering: During the first few years, elms need regular watering to establish strong roots. Once settled, most varieties become drought-tolerant, making them well-suited for hot Texas summers.
• Pruning: Pruning encourages airflow and helps prevent disease. Check for dead or diseased branches, especially in American elms, and prune as needed to maintain tree health.
• Pest Protection: While newer varieties are resistant to many pests, it’s wise to monitor for any unusual changes in leaves or bark to catch potential issues early.

Bringing Back the Legacy of Elm Trees in North Texas

Elm trees are an essential part of North Texas’s natural heritage, adding beauty and shade to landscapes for generations. By planting a disease-resistant elm, you’re not only enhancing your yard but also helping preserve a legacy. These resilient trees have lined streets and parks for years, and with their natural cooling effect, they’re a fantastic way to beat the Texas summer heat.

If you’re ready to add an elm tree to your North Texas yard, Price Right Trees can guide you in choosing the best variety for your needs. Our team provides expert tree care services, including trimming, removal, and planting to ensure your elm thrives. Whether you’re in Dallas, Fort Worth, or a nearby city, we’re here to help make your landscape beautiful with an elm tree that will stand strong for generations.

Planting an elm is more than just adding shade; it’s about becoming part of North Texas’s story of resilience and natural beauty. Ready to add an elm to your yard? Let’s make it happen!