Watering field elm

• Field Elm Origin
• Field Elm Care and Location
• Pruning field elm
• Fertilizing field elm
• Watering field elm

Field Elm Origin

The field elm (Ulmus minor) is a deciduous tree belonging to the elm family (Ulaceae). It is widespread in Europe and northern Asia and can grow up to 20 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 on this journey. Nymphs often planted elms to commemorate fallen heroes. Traditionally, the English used the field elm to make coffins.

The field elm has an oval, spreading crown, and its bark is initially smooth and gray, becoming cracked and blackish with age. The leaves of the field elm are lanceolate with a smooth, glossy surface. In spring, the field elm produces small, green flowers. It is an important source of nectar and pollen for bees and is frequently planted as a street tree.

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

Care and location of the field elm

The field elm prefers a sunny location but can grow in shaded areas. However, it is important to note that it will exhibit less growth and vigor in these conditions and may be more susceptible to fungal diseases and pests. The soil should be well-drained and moist, ideally neutral to slightly alkaline.

Cutting the field elm

The field elm can be pruned to improve its shape and control its growth. However, care should be taken to leave healthy branches so that the tree has enough leaves to photosynthesize. Generally, the field elm is a robust tree that requires little maintenance. Nevertheless, it is important to regularly check it for pests and diseases and treat it if necessary. 

Fertilizing field elm

The field elm does not require regular fertilizationSince it typically grows in natural soils and can absorb nutrients from the ground, it is generally beneficial to occasionally fertilize the plant with an organic fertilizer such as compost or horn shavings in very dry and nutrient-poor soils. A layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Care should be taken to avoid applying mulch directly to the trunk of the field elm, as this can lead to fungal or mold problems that may damage the tree.

Watering field elm

The water requirements of the field elm depend on various factors such as age, size, soil and climate. Rising temperatures and increasing dryness can put the field elm under stress. Depending on the location and the climatic situation, it may be necessary to water the field elm more frequently during dry periods and on days with full sun than in previous years.

Field elms should be watered with a larger quantity of water rather than several small amounts. As a guideline, young field elms require 70 liters per watering, while older trees need 150 to 200 liters. When watering with a garden hose, a large portion of the water seeps into the ground or evaporates before it can be absorbed by the roots.

Our tree bath watering bags Watering is more efficient and water is saved at the same time. The baumbad watering bags have two small holes that release water evenly to the field elm as drip irrigation over several hours. This leads to consistent moisture in the soil, allowing even the roots near the surface to absorb the water well.
The water bag also covers the ground and prevents the water from evaporating. 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 together using zippers.