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Smooth elm is a common tree that is found in all corners of the planet. In cities, it is used to decorate parks and squares. The tree is also widely used in dachas.
Description and photo of smooth elm
Smooth elm belongs to the Elm family. It is a large tree with a spreading crown. Since elm does not have a taproot, all shoots are equally developed. This allows the tree to reliably take root in any soil.
Height and dimensions of smooth elm
The culture has a massive trunk reaching 30 m in height and 1.2 m in diameter. Dimensions may vary slightly depending on the nature of the area.
Diameter and shape of the crown of smooth elm
All representatives of the Elm genus have a neat crown, which is explained by the dense arrangement of branches. The wood has a grayish tint. Deep grooves formed as a result of cracking are common along the trunk.
Crown diameter can be up to 24 m
The leaf blades are obovate in shape.The lower foliage is longer - about 14 cm, while the upper foliage is almost twice as long. On its surface there are numerous depressions that are unusual for other trees. The outer part has a rich green tint, the back side is darker.
Smooth elm flowering
Smooth elm flowers are collected in volumetric groups, usually located on a peduncle 15 mm long. Since the tree belongs to dioecious representatives, it reproduces independently. Pollination occurs with the help of wind. In central Russia, flowering begins in mid-March, even before the leaves form.
The fruits are lionfish, reaching 1.5 cm. In the middle part there is a nut, on the sides there are several short cilia.
Where does it grow
The culture grows in the western part of Russia. It can be found in the territory from Volgograd to Lake Onega. The tree is actively cultivated there. Many plantings are also located in the eastern part of the country: near the Ural Mountains.
The culture prefers flat areas and rarely grows at higher elevations. Smooth elm can be found in forests, next to maple, linden and larch. Seeds thrown to rivers get along well in floodplains, where they grow in a single format.
Smooth elm also grows in steppes and valleys. Some specimens were caught at elevations of up to 1200 m.
Useful properties of smooth elm
The plant has been grown for medicinal purposes for many centuries. Decoctions and tinctures prepared on its basis have the following effects:
- antibacterial;
- diuretic;
- diaphoretic;
- healing;
- anesthetic;
- hemostatic;
- astringent.
Advantages and disadvantages
Smooth elm has a huge growing area. It has a neat crown and interesting leaves.
This species has good frost resistance
Pros:
- medicinal properties;
- high altitude;
- easy landing;
- good immunity;
- decorativeness.
Minuses:
- the need for careful care of young seedlings.
Landing rules
Smooth elm loves chernozem, well-drained soils with good ventilation. When it comes to lighting, a tree can be picky: when choosing a planting site, they choose open landscapes. Prolonged shading is undesirable.
To plant a smooth elm, dig a 60x70 cm hole. The base is laid with drainage material, which can be sand mixed with pebbles. A layer of fertile soil is poured on top of the drainage “cushion”. You can prepare it at home or buy it ready-made.
The seedling is placed carefully: the roots should not be damaged. When the smooth elm is installed in the hole, the soil is buried, simultaneously compacting the place with a foot. The plant develops quickly, but in the early stages it is necessary to create comfortable conditions for it.
Care instructions
For the first month, the seedling needs a lot of liquid. When the smooth elm forms its first branches, watering is reduced to four times a month. To saturate a young tree, three buckets of water are needed. They are poured at the root, without getting on the shoots.
Do not moisturize in cloudy weather
Otherwise, the smooth elm is undemanding: it is fertilized twice a season, systematically treated against insects and diseases, and trimmed. After pruning, it is necessary to disinfect open areas with garden varnish. They are vulnerable to infections, which is extremely undesirable at a young age.
Advice! To extend the life of mature trees, rejuvenating pruning is carried out.
Before winter, large branches are cut off, thereby awakening dormant buds. The lifespan of smooth elm increases by 7-9 years.
Propagation of smooth elm
Like other trees, smooth elm can be propagated by seeds. They germinate in one week, so the material cannot be stored for a long time. After half a month, 99% of the seeds lose their ability to develop.
The raw materials are sown, making an indentation of 40 cm, and covered with film. Every day the film is opened for two hours to ventilate the plantings. After the sprouts appear, the shelter is completely removed, and a year later it is transplanted to a permanent place.
Most gardeners use cuttings - they are easier to propagate. Shoots with a diameter of 6 mm deserve attention. There should be four buds left on the branches. The bottom is cut obliquely, the top is cut at a right angle. The lower end is placed in Kornevin, after which it is planted in the ground.
When the smooth elm forms leaves, the planting can be transferred to the garden. But until then, maintain optimal humidity
Diseases and pests
Smooth elm has several dangerous enemies. First of all, it is elm sapwood, which feeds on plant sap and carries various infections. The passages left by it provide access to other insects.
No less dangerous is the scale insect, a miniature insect that parasitizes shoots. Its appearance is indicated by premature yellowing, as well as small spots on the leaves. Even a strong tree can die if the scale insect manages to reproduce. Therefore, you need to act immediately. Insecticides will help protect smooth elm.
Sometimes the plant is affected by diseases.In order not to bring the crop to the point of exhaustion, they adhere to standard preventive measures - treat them with fungicides.
Methods of application
Wooden products are made from smooth elm. Previously, wood was used in the production of carriages, chests, and rakes. Nowadays the tree is used for decorative plantings.
Recreation areas are often located in the shadow of the giant
Conclusion
Smooth elm is a spectacular tree with a massive trunk and crown. It has excellent immunity, which can be disrupted as a result of human activity. The crop is not planted near roads: it does not tolerate excessive air pollution. Caring for the plant is not a hassle; the main thing is not to forget about watering and fertilizing.
