Integrated Pest Management
Siberian Elm
Ulmus pumila
Description
- tree (up to 70 feet) with elliptical-shaped green leaves; leaves are arranged alternately on stems
- leaves have serrated margins and pointed tips; leaf veins have a distinctive fishbone pattern
- flowers are green, form in clusters (6 to 15) and are 3/16 inch long
- seeds are housed in flat, coin-shaped fruit equipped with a papery wing that turns from green to straw color as it matures
Location
- commonly grows in planting beds and in and amongst other trees, shrubs, perennials and along fences
Life Cycle
- long-living perennial (deciduous tree) that flowers from early to mid-spring
- flowers are produced before leaves expand; seed production immediately follows leaf emergence
- seeds ripen by late spring and can germinate immediately; leaves turn yellow in fall
IPM Recommendations
- Hand-pull elm seedlings in planting beds prior to seed maturation and manually remove underground structures to prevent re-sprouting.
- Apply a mulch layer 3 inches deep on planting beds to reduce seed germination.
- For control of small plants, spot treat with appropriate post-emergent systemic herbicide. For control of larger plants, cut stem or trunk and immediately paint the outside circumference (just inside bark) with concentrated systemic post-emergent herbicide.
- Fall (close to fall color and leaf drop) is an effective time for chemical control.