I recently bought a new home and there are a few Siberian Elms on the property. I’ve been getting some mixed messages about what to do about the Elms. On one hand, their invasive, can invite some pests and spread aggressively, but on the other hand, I live in the southwest where most of the canopy of my city consists of elms.
Not a lot grows here so my property has a few less than desirable trees like Russian olive and junipers. Majority of my neighborhoods vegetation isn’t native. Is it really that big of a deal to keep them? I’d be left with no shade if I got rid of these trees. I will not see something grow to this height in my lifetime.
I’m wondering if the tree is too close to the house and has some risk?
Would love some feedback!
by ake-anders
8 Comments
Prune them and keep them. No reason to remove them.
I have a couple of those trees on my property. In my opinion they aren’t the nicest trees and they retain a lot of dead branches.I would remove that tree if it was that close to my house.
I love New Mexico. That’s all
I think it kinda depends on exactly where in the south west https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=3479
They’re invasive in some areas, but do they actually spread a lot in your area? I’d imagine the answer to that is different in the southern part of your state vs the northern parts. Iirc white mulberry is a similar story where it’s invasive in some areas but doesn’t have enough water to spread in others.
I would first consider what you’re planting to replace it if you did remove it. Do you have a native tree or native adjacent tree which will grow well in your area? https://nativegardendesigns.wildones.org/designs/
You calling junipers less than desirable? You and the Siberian elm deserve eachother
They’re invasive as fuck. Their seeds can grow on concrete without water. I hate them so fucking much.
Isn’t that an American elm?
Trim current tree, obtain and grow on a potential native replacement or two.