Allee elm tree Pros and Cons, Growth rate, Problems & Diseases

Magnificent trees that border our streets and parks frequently define the attractiveness of metropolitan environments. The Allee Elm (Ulmus parvifolia 'Allee') tree strands out among these green guardians as a symbol of both resilience and beauty. 

Lacebark Allee Elm is a genuinely exceptional specimen. Even though it is not a typical American Elm, this remarkable tree deserves the opportunity to serve as a substitute. It is a fantastic option for adding shade to your lawn due to its rich green foliage, fine branching, strength against Elm beetles and Dutch elm disease. The most appealing feature is the beautiful, puzzle-like pattern that develops on the trunk and branches, with sections of gray, green, and orange.

Growth Rate

When Allee Elm reaches maturity, it will reach a height of 60 feet and a spread of 50 feet. It is not recommended to plant it beneath power lines due to its large canopy, which often extends seven feet above the ground. When this tree reaches maturity, its lower branches must be carefully pruned to provide a canopy high enough to allow unhindered human traffic underneath. It can live for at least 70 years under optimal circumstances and grows quickly.

Pros 

Easier Maintenance

The Allee Elm tree has several notable benefits, one of which is that it requires less maintenance than its counterpart, the 'Drake' Elm. It is a top pick for people looking for a tree that grows well with little maintenance due to its growth pattern and general health.

Long Service Life

The Allee Elm tree, especially in urban settings, can have an amazing service life if trained and maintained properly. This tree's longevity guarantees that your investment will pay off in the long run.

Resistance to Elm Diseases

Diseases like Dutch Elm Disease are well-known to affect elm trees. However, the Allee Elm tree has strong resilience to many typical elm diseases. As a result, there is less need to be concerned that diseases would harm the tree.

Excellent Shade Tree

The Allee Elm tree is a great option if you're searching for a tree that offers plenty of shade. With the right maintenance, it can develop into a lovely shade tree that will improve the comfort of your outdoor areas on hot summer days.

Graceful Canopy

With its elegant, rounded canopy and arching branches, the Allee Elm tree has a distinctive growth pattern. Both homeowners and landscape designers adore it for its visual appeal. Moreover, it is a fast-growing tree, so you won't have to wait long to appreciate its splendor.

Drought Tolerance

The Allee Elm tree thrives in areas that experience sporadic droughts. When there are dry spells, it will remain resilient since it can tolerate a certain level of drought stress.

Cons

Sidewalk Heaving

The Allee Elm tree's propensity to heave sidewalks is one of its noticeable disadvantages. Tree roots have the ability to uproot pavement, which could lead to trip hazards and expensive repairs.

Weak Branching and Storm Vulnerability

The beautiful canopy of the Allee Elm tree has aesthetic value, but it can also be a drawback. Despite its lovely branching structure, the tree may be vulnerable to limb damage during strong winds. It may be dangerous, so it needs to be pruned often to reduce the risk.

Problems and Diseases

Allee Elm trees are a common choice for landscapes and urban settings due to their exceptional resilience to a variety of conditions. Some of the diseases that affect Allee Elm trees are:

Phloem Elm Necrosis

The microscopic bacterium that causes this disease is dispersed by white-banded leafhoppers. 

Leaf Scorch

This disease, called leaf scorch, makes the edges of the leaves brown and dry up. 

Dieback Symptoms

Allee Elm is invulnerable to dieback symptoms, which are characterized by the death of the tree's tips or branches.