The Emerald Flair Elm (Ulmus parvifolia ‘JFS-Barrett’) is a versatile tree, combining aesthetic appeal with robust performance. It offers a compelling choice for various landscapes, providing shade and seasonal interest.
Distinctive Features of Emerald Flair Elm
The Emerald Flair Elm matures to a height of approximately 40 feet with a spread of around 35 feet, forming an upright-oval to vase-shaped canopy with gracefully arching branches. Its foliage consists of small, glossy, deep forest green leaves that present a clean appearance throughout the warmer months. As autumn arrives, these leaves transition into striking shades of bright red to orange-red, creating a vibrant display.
The tree’s bark offers year-round visual interest, featuring a mottled dark gray appearance that tends to flake or exfoliate, revealing underlying tan tones. This provides an attractive texture, particularly in winter when the branches are bare. The Emerald Flair Elm also exhibits a fast growth rate, allowing it to establish quickly in the landscape and can live for 70 years or more.
Planting and Cultivation
Proper site selection and planting are crucial for establishing an Emerald Flair Elm. This tree thrives best in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sun daily for optimal growth. While highly adaptable to various soil types and pH levels, including those with environmental salt, well-drained soil is generally preferred. The tree can tolerate a soil pH range from 5.0 to 8.0.
When planting, dig a hole that is two to three times wider than the tree’s root ball, ensuring the depth is equivalent to the root ball’s height. After placing the tree in the hole, backfill with soil and water immediately. Young trees require consistent moisture, so maintain the soil moist to a depth of at least two inches, checking regularly by inserting a finger into the soil. Once established, the Emerald Flair Elm is adaptable to both dry and moist conditions.
Fertilization is generally not needed in the first year after planting. Beginning in the second year, a balanced fertilizer can be applied each spring, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilization. Mature trees often do not require additional fertilization. Pruning is minimal and best performed in late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant, typically from October to March. This timing helps prevent the attraction of elm bark beetles to fresh wounds. Focus on removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and consider pruning lower branches to create a higher canopy clearance if desired. The Emerald Flair Elm is hardy across USDA hardiness zones 4 to 11.
Disease Resistance and Management
A significant attribute of the Emerald Flair Elm is its high level of resistance to Dutch Elm Disease (DED). DED, caused by a fungus spread by elm bark beetles, historically decimated American elm populations by blocking the tree’s vascular system, leading to wilting and death. As a cultivar of Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm or Lacebark Elm), the Emerald Flair Elm possesses inherent resistance to this devastating disease, a trait that makes it a more reliable choice than many traditional elm varieties.
The tree also shows tolerance to phloem necrosis, sometimes called elm yellows, another serious disease that affects elms. This disease, caused by phytoplasmas, can rapidly kill the tree’s inner bark, disrupting water and nutrient flow. While Emerald Flair Elm exhibits strong disease resistance, general elm pests like the elm leaf beetle or Japanese beetle may occasionally affect elms. Monitoring for any unusual leaf discoloration or insect activity and addressing issues promptly can help maintain the tree’s health.
Landscape Applications and Advantages
The Emerald Flair Elm offers numerous advantages for landscape design. Its upright vase-shaped form and mature size make it an exceptional choice for providing shade in residential yards or public spaces. Its robust branching structure is noted for resisting breakage, even during storms, contributing to its reliability as a long-term landscape feature.
The Emerald Flair Elm is a low-maintenance tree, adapting well to various environmental conditions, including urban pollution. Its rapid growth and disease resistance make it a desirable selection for new plantings and urban reforestation projects.