Siberian elm: when and how to prune

Siberian elm: when to prune it?

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In winter, from December to February. The tree is then dormant and the elm bark beetles that spread Dutch elm disease are not flying.

What else to prune in those months? January · February · December

Siberian elm: how to prune it?

1. Young tree: choose one central leader and remove branches with a narrow, sharp angle in good time, as they tear out later.
2. Remove dead, broken and crossing branches just outside the branch collar.
3. As a hedge or windbreak: cut back every year to the height you want; it regrows well.
4. Do not leave piles of elm wood with bark on: elm bark beetles can breed in them.

How much to cut, and how often?

• One pruning period a year: December–February.
• Never remove more than about a quarter of the crown at once. Better a little every year.

What does it mean for wildlife?

• The pruning months fall outside the nesting season (15 March–15 August), so you won’t disturb nesting birds.
• Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.

Common mistakes

• Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Nearby: related pruning guides

• Chinese elm
• Dutch elm
• Elm
• European white elm
• Field elm
• Wych elm

Plant profile: Siberian elm · Pruning calendar and basic rules