Elms are everywhere on the Texas High Plains, and they are also behind a lot of tree trouble. Some elms are tough and long-lived and some are weak, messy and short-lived. Knowing which one you have, and what is normal for it, helps you care for it well and decide when it should come out. This guide draws on Texas A&M Extension and Texas Tech plant resources.
Which elms grow on the High Plains
A Texas A&M Extension publication lists the common elm species on the High Plains as Siberian, American, cedar and Chinese elm. Of these, it says American, cedar and Chinese seem to be the most trouble-free. It describes the cedar elm, a native tree, as hardy and durable with few pest problems, and notes that it suffers from the bad reputation of the Siberian elm.
Why Siberian elm gives elms a bad name
Texas Tech’s plant resources describe Siberian elm as a short-lived tree with invasive roots and canopy dieback caused by weak wood, and say it should not be used in most landscape situations. It also tends to get slime flux, a wet, smelly seep from the bark. It grows fast and tolerates poor soil and drought, which is why it was planted so widely, but the same fast growth gives weak, brittle limbs that break in Panhandle wind. If your yard has a big old Siberian elm, expect dead wood and falling limbs.
Elm leaf beetle
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension describes the elm leaf beetle as a pest that feeds on all elms, especially Siberian and European elms, and says feeding damage is much less evident in cedar, lacebark, American and winged elms. Leaves that look chewed and skeletonized in summer are the usual sign. A healthy tree can tolerate some feeding, but repeated heavy damage on top of drought stress takes a toll.
Elm bark beetle on the High Plains
The European elm bark beetle arrived in the Texas Panhandle by 2015, according to ABC 7 Amarillo, and was found in elms, cedars and pines. Texas A&M Extension has reported that many elms on the Texas Southern High Plains had to be removed because they were dying. The small round holes people notice in the bark are usually the final chapter, since most healthy trees can defend themselves against insects, and it is stress that lets the beetles win. The extension publication also says there is no evidence that the lesser European elm bark beetle is carrying Dutch elm disease on the High Plains of Texas.
Signs an elm is in trouble
- Thinning crown or dying branches, especially in the top of the tree.
- Small round holes in the bark and winding tunnels under the bark.
- Leaves yellowing or wilting early in summer.
- Large dead limbs or limbs that break easily in wind.
- Wet, dark seepage on the bark with a sour smell.
Many of these signs also come from drought, so they do not prove beetle damage. See drought-stressed trees in Amarillo TX and dead or dying tree in Amarillo TX.
Caring for an elm
Deep watering during dry weather, mulch and care to avoid wounding the trunk keep an elm in the best condition to resist pests. Remove dead wood while it is small. Avoid topping, which leaves wounds that attract problems. Ask a local arborist or your county Extension office about treatments if a tree you value is under attack. Texas A&M AgriLife also has a publication on protecting elm trees from elm bark beetle on the Texas High Plains.
When an elm should come out
If more than half the crown is dead, if limbs are failing over a house or if the trunk has large cracks or decay, removal is usually the safer answer. A big Siberian elm with weak wood over a roof or driveway is worth removing before it fails. See hazardous tree assessment in Amarillo TX and tree removal in Amarillo TX.
What to plant instead
Texas A&M Extension points toward American, cedar and Chinese elms as trouble-free choices among elms, and suggests asking your county Extension office for the list of recommended trees. Planting a mix of species protects a neighborhood from losing all its trees to one pest.
Common questions about elms
Is my elm a Siberian elm?
Siberian elm is very common in Amarillo yards, and it is often called Chinese elm by mistake. It has small, doubly toothed leaves and tends to have weak, brittle limbs and dieback. A county Extension office or a local arborist can identify it from photos.
Can a tree with bark beetle holes be saved?
Sometimes. If the tree is otherwise healthy and the damage is limited, care and treatment can help. If most of the crown is dead, it usually cannot be saved. Ask an arborist or your county Extension office.
Should I remove an elm before it fails?
If it is dead, mostly dead or a hazard over a house, line or driveway, yes. If it is healthy, keep it and care for it. A hazardous tree assessment in Amarillo TX tells you which case you have.
Need help with a tree in Amarillo TX?
If you want a professional to look at a tree, request a free tree service quote in Amarillo TX. Describe the tree, where it stands and what worries you, and send photos if you can. You can also print the tree check checklist for Amarillo TX homeowners to walk your property first, or read the tree service FAQ for Amarillo TX.
