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Wych Elm Origin

The wych elm (ulmus glabra) is a deciduous tree and belongs to the elm family. It is widespread in Europe, northern Asia and North America and can grow up to 30 m tall.

In Greek mythology, the elm was dedicated to the god Hermes. Hermes was considered the protector of merchants and thieves and was also seen as the guide of souls to the Judge of the World. Winged elm fruits accompanied the souls during this process. Nymphs often planted elms to commemorate fallen heroes.
Traditionally, the English used the wych elm to make coffins.

The wych elm has an oval, spreading crown and its bark is initially smooth and grey, but becomes cracked and blackish with age.
The leaves of the wych elm are lanceolate and have a smooth, shiny surface. In spring, the wych elm produces small, green flowers, which later turn into seed-ripening fruits. The wych elm is an important bee pasture tree and is often planted as a street tree.

For several years now, there has been an elm disease caused by a fungal infection. The fungus is spread by the wind and after the fungus has infected the trees die within a few years.

Care and location of the wych elm

The wych elm prefers a sunny location with well-drained and moist soil. Ideally, the soil should be slightly acidic or neutral.
The Wych Elm prefers a sunny location but can grow in shaded areas. However, it is important to note that in these conditions it will have less growth and vigor and may be more susceptible to fungal and pest attacks.

Cutting the wych elm

The Wych Elm can be pruned to improve its shape and control growth. However, care should be taken to leave healthy branches so that the tree has enough leaves to carry out photosynthesis.
In general, the Wych Elm is a hardier tree that requires little maintenance. However, it is important to check regularly for pests and diseases and treat them if necessary. If these basic care tips are followed, the Wych Elm will remain healthy and beautiful for many years.

Watering wych elm

The water requirements of the wych elm depend on various factors such as age, size, soil and climate. Rising temperatures and increasing dryness can put the wych elm under stress. Depending on the location and the climatic situation, it may be necessary to support the wych elm by watering it during dry periods and on days with full sun. The wych elm has a higher water requirement than other trees and the soil should never dry out completely. The wych elm should be watered with a larger amount of water instead of watering it several times in small amounts. As a guideline, a water requirement of 75 to 100 liters per watering can be assumed for young wych elms and 150 to 200 liters for older trees.

When watering with a garden hose, a large part of the water seeps off the surface and evaporates before it can be absorbed by the soil and roots. Watering bags for trees are a good solution to prevent surface runoff and to ensure even moisture in the root area. They allow for more efficient watering and save water at the same time.

A tree bath watering bag provides young trees with sufficient water. To water existing trees with a larger trunk diameter, two or three watering bags can be connected to each other using zip fasteners.

Do you need to fertilize wych elms?

The wych elm does not require regular fertilization, as it usually grows in natural soil and can absorb nutrients from the soil. However, in very dry and nutrient-poor soils it can be beneficial to occasionally feed the plant with an organic fertilizer such as compost or horn shavings. A layer of mulch helps to keep the soil moist and prevent weed growth.

Care should be taken not to apply mulch directly to the trunk of the wych elm. This can lead to fungal or mold problems that can damage the trunk of the tree.

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