Elm Tree Identification

An American elm tree and close-up of leaves and bark

Do you have an elm tree on or near your property? An elm is easily recognized.

American elms have tall straight trunks. Branches start high and grow upward to form an arching shape like a vase or umbrella.

The bark of an elm tree is thick and rough, usually dark grey to greyish brown with deeply grooved ridges. Brown and beige layers alternate in the cross section of the bark, and have a rough, flaky appearance.

The leaves are dark green, up to 9 cm (3.5 inches) long and 2.5-5 cm (1-2 inches) wide with double toothed edges. The leaf underside is rough because of raised veins and the two lobes next to the leafstalk are unequally rounded.