Wych Elm tree
Ulmus Glabra
A Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra) is a vigorous native tree growing up to 2 metres per year when young and typically reaching up to 30m in height. The hardiest elm, it is able to grow in coastal conditions as well as hillsides, and can also grow by water.
Having been decimated by Dutch elm disease in the 1960s and ’70s, the Wych Elm is now a fairly rare site in the UK. Although, as it is reproduced by seed and not by suckering, it is more resistant to the disease than English Elm which, despite the name, is non-native.
The Wych Elm is highly valuable for wildlife and bio-diversity, providing food and shelter for insects, butterflies, birds and small mammals.
Features
Mature Height
Crown Spread
Growth Rate
Soil Types
Lighting
Leaf Colour
Usage
Full Description
As a young tree the Wych Elm has a grey trunk which develops into grey-brown, ridged bark when older. Leaves are large, toothed and asymmetric at the base with a rough upper surface turning yellow in autumn. Flowers appear ahead of the leaves in early spring aiding their pollination by wind. These flowers are red/purple in colour and grow in clusters along twigs and small branches. After being pollinated, flat round-winged fruits develop, ready to be dispersed by the wind around July time.
It thrives in cool, moist and well-drained sites, preferring full sun or partial shade. It is particularly suited to wooded glens, riverbanks and upland areas.
Aftercare
Watering: Young trees must be kept moist, especially during the first few weeks after planting and in dry weather. During droughts, water weekly to help establish the root system.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weed competition.
Protection: Protect young saplings from browsing animals, such as deer, which can damage new bark.
Soil and Position: Thrives in full sun or light dappled shade, in moist, well-drained, deep, rich loamy soils.
Pruning:
- Timing: Prune between September and March. Avoid late autumn to prevent winter damage.
- Method: Prune to a single central leader to promote a strong structure.
- Maintenance: Remove dead, diseased, or broken branches immediately to prevent spread.
Delivery
Within 24 hours of placing your order, we will contact you to confirm an exact delivery date. Most orders are delivered within 5 working days. Your plants will be freshly lifted and packaged the day before dispatch to ensure they arrive in the best possible condition.
If you have a preferred delivery date please use the comments box and we will try our best to accommodate this (not available at weekends).
Although items can remain in their packaging for 7–10 days if kept frost-free, we recommend planting bareroot trees as soon as possible after delivery.
We use a courier service, and a signature is required on delivery unless you specify a safe place in the comments box when placing your order.
Small Orders (UK Mainland Only)
Orders of 1–15 plants in size 40/60cm can often be sent via Royal Mail for £8.90.
Please note: Your basket will initially show a delivery charge of £15.75 + VAT, but if you request Royal Mail delivery in the comments box, we will adjust the payment for you once we receive the order.
England and Wales Standard Delivery Charges
| Order Total | Delivery Cost |
| £0 – £75.99 | £15.75 + VAT |
| £76 – £200.99 | £23.10 + VAT |
| £201 – £300.99 | £31.50 + VAT |
| £301 – £500.99 | £42.00 + VAT |
| £501 – £1000.99 | £47.25 + VAT |
| £1001+ | £52.50 + VAT |
Mainland Scotland Standard Delivery Charges
| Order Total | Delivery Cost |
| £0 – £75.99 | £21.00 + VAT |
| £76 – £150.99 | £29.82 + VAT |
| £151 – £300.99 | £39.90 + VAT |
| £301 – £500.99 | £52.50 + VAT |
| £501 – £1000.99 | £58.80 + VAT |
| £1001+ | £65.10 + VAT |
Click and Collect
Click and collect available free of charge from: Tree Shop Ltd., Harts Barn, Monmouth Road, Longhope, GL17 0QD, UK
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