All about elm

Knowing everything about what elm is, what are its characteristics, you can exclude any mistakes in handling it. A description of the leaves of this plant and where it grows in Russia turns out to be useful information. You should also pay attention to the differences between the squat elm and other types of small-leaved elm.

The very name elm is a common name for a number of elm species found in the south of the country. It has been established that this name is rooted in the Turkic languages ​​and literally means "black tree". Outwardly, these are most often and in fact trees up to 40 m high. However, some of the species are more likely to look like shrubs. On young branches, a light brown bark is initially formed, devoid of any signs of roughness.

But gradually it will be covered with grooves oriented vertically. Karagach is unpretentious. This species grows well even in shaded areas with a minimum level of soil fertility. However, of course, small-leaved elm looks and grows best on nutrient-rich soils.

Elm leaves are oval. The jagged edges are typical for them. The foliage is 4 to 20 cm long. It will be placed according to the next scheme on short petioles. The roots of the elm are distinguished by significant power - they can penetrate to a depth of 30 m, although in some types they will grow in width.

Elm blooms in the spring months. Flowering ends when leaves appear. Grouping in small yellow inflorescences is characteristic. The fruits of this plant are medium-sized nuts of the "lionfish" format, ripening by the end of spring. After hitting the ground, they grow in a few days; the tree will live up to 400 years.

Black elm is found mainly in deciduous forests. You can also see it in the south and in the middle area of ​​the spruce forest subzone. Autonomous elm stands are rare. Karagach grows without problems on fertile land. Most often, it is grouped on alluvial soil.

In general, this species is more typical for the European part of our country than for the Urals. Abroad, the main part of the range includes the Scandinavian Peninsula. You can also find it in Central Asia.

An elm, or elm, or birch bark, of an ordinary (smooth) species - the one that is widespread in the European part of the Russian Federation, including the Caucasus. It also grows in the west of Siberia. The trunks of such a tree can grow up to 10 - 25 m. In old trees, their cross section can reach 1.5 m. But you need to understand that in a city, especially on poor soil, the trunks will be much lower and not so thick.

Characterized by a dark brown color of the bark. It has an embossed surface and is rough outwardly. Sometimes it flakes off in the form of small scales. Shoots form a crown in the form of a wide ellipse. The length of the leaves reaches 15 cm, and their width is 10 cm.

Other features:

• elongated leaf shape;

• small flowers of brown-purple color, blooming in April;

• fast growth;

• ease of trimming;

• the formation of a thick shadow.

It is also called small-leaved elm or elmovik. The greatest growth does not exceed 15 m. In many cases, this plant forms shrub growth. You can see the squat elm in Transbaikalia and the Far Eastern regions. The branches are relatively thin, the foliage is rounded and has a jagged perimeter; its length is from 4 to 7 cm.

In spring, the leaves of the squat elmovik are painted in a pale green color. They are characterized by a leathery surface. In the summer, it will darken. Small yellow-brown inflorescences are typical.

This type of elm has a light gray bark. Its surface is broken by cracks, and when peeling it forms moderately thick flakes. Height can reach 30 - 35 m. The thickness of the trunk in the area of ​​the butt is about 1 m. The leaves are shaped like an oval or an egg; their ends are sharpened.

Such elm grows well on fertile land and categorically does not tolerate strong salinization. A similar tree can be found in deciduous forests in both the west and east of Europe. The trunks grow straight and are covered with a moderately smooth dark brown bark. The foliage of such a plant reaches 17 - 20 cm, is similar in shape to an egg and is colored light green.

The procedure for planting elm in free land is not too complicated. For work, you will need dried, thoroughly ripened seeds. You can get seedlings a few days after sowing. However, one must take into account the rapid loss of germination of the planting material. Therefore, sowing must be done as quickly as possible.

Seeds should be collected as soon as the flowering tree ends. The seeds will need to be placed in wet cotton wool. An alternative is sowing in a moist substrate.

Chernozem is the best (among the soil). It is in it that seedlings develop much faster. In some cases, leaf humus is used. Regardless of the choice of substrate, it is necessary to achieve its moisture and softness. Other recommendations:

• deepening of seeds inside the substrate by approximately 1 - 2 cm;

• dividing the holes by 25 cm;

• covering the soil mixture with dried grass, cotton wool or sphagnum;

• daily irrigation of the substrate;

• removing the covering material after the seedling emerges;

• the need for hardening seedlings.

A very important point is to conduct frequent active watering. So that the sprouts do not suffer from sunlight and gusts of wind, agrofibre or film is used. Young growth can be illuminated by diffused light. It should be borne in mind that drought affects this plant extremely negatively. If it does, the elm will need to be watered abundantly 2 or 3 times a week.

Karagach is in dire need of sanitary pruning. It is best done in January, February or March. The main thing is to be in time before the juices start moving.... You can trim the crown beautifully during the summer. It will be possible to give the culture the intended shape with the help of a simple wire.

But trimming the elm is not all. For this plant, high-quality fertilizers are very important. Young shoots are fed with organic matter several times a week. This approach guarantees engraftment during transplantation. The best option is compost or other organic products.

Top dressing is possible not only through the root, but also through the leaves. It is best to buy them in specialty stores. Leaf fertilization should be done on a quiet, sunny day. Sanitary pruning is resorted to annually.

If the branch does not produce foliage, it must be destroyed. Branches deformed in any way should also be cut.Preventive pruning is done before elm reaches 8 years of age. It is necessary to trim the crop evenly on either side so that it does not sway. You should take the secateurs already when caring for young seedlings.

It is worth considering that clever pruning not only makes elms more beautiful. It significantly increases their lifespan. The main role is played by the isolation of the central shoot. It is necessary to form branches of the correct shape around it; all cuts must be treated with garden pitch. Be sure to monitor the air circulation inside the crown.

The soil next to the elm tree should always be moist. During dry periods, each tree is watered using at least 50 liters of water. You can extend the growing season through the regular use of mineral complexes. Biological stimulants should be introduced only after elm transplant to a permanent place; there is usually no need for shelter for the winter.

Trying to propagate elm seeds by seed is very laborious. But this is the approach that professionals recommend, as it guarantees the best possible effect. The planting material is harvested in the autumn months. It should be stored in cool conditions wrapped in paper or clean cloth. About 30 days before planting, the seeds are warmed up.

In the last few days before sowing, they should be placed in a tank of water. This will keep the seeds hydrated. Planting is primarily carried out in pots filled with loose soil. Problems with seedlings usually do not arise, and most often it will take about 2 weeks to wait for sprouts. Planting on a permanent site, however, is done only after the seedlings have been strengthened.

Some people plant seeds directly into the ground. In this case, even preliminary preparation is not always required. But before the onset of cold weather, then one cannot do without covering with a film.

Reproduction by cuttings is also possible. For this, the strongest shoots are selected. They should be suitable for the formation of blanks no shorter than 15 cm. Cutting implies heating the planting material at room temperature. Additionally, when transplanting, each sprout is placed for 24 hours in a highly diluted potassium permanganate and then soaked in plain water for 72 hours. An elm is transplanted into the open ground when it produces 4 strong leaves.

In some cases, they resort to layering. But breeding elm in this way is laborious. Shallow holes are being dug near the tree. They will have to be abundantly moistened and organic and mineral components added to the water for irrigation. The easiest way is to grow layers from young shoots and roots - however, this is not such an easy task as it seems; usually, readiness for separation is achieved at the end of autumn.

Dutch elm disease is extremely dangerous. This is a typical fungal infection. Signs of such a disease appear very quickly, and within a month it is clearly visible even on the crown of a tree. Among insects, a serious threat is posed by:

• elm sapwood;

• Asian barbel;

• unpaired silkworm;

• aphid;

• elm leaf beetle.

Elms can be planted in different climates. They are compatible with a wide variety of drainage soil. They are easy to grow in partial shade, and even where frosts of up to 30 degrees occur. The wood has a pronounced natural pattern and a noble shade. Her beams are heart-shaped, but they can be seen only at radial cuts, and even then only as medium-sized shiny strokes.

Characterizing the properties of elm wood, it is necessary to emphasize its decent viscosity and wear resistance. Processing, grinding and polishing this material is not difficult. It can be easily etched with dyes. The likelihood of rotting is low. The density of a dry solid elm is 560 kg per 1 cubic meter. m.

Returning to landscape design, it must be emphasized that elm is used for decorating house plots and forming alleys. Rapid growth allows for the creation of extensive thickets. Low lawns are made in the shade.

Even if you store them for 2 years, the humidity does not drop below 15%. The elm pricks extremely badly, and when burned, it smokes. In other cases, this tree is great. So, it is quite possible to make a table from epoxy resin and elm. This breed is also suitable for getting a countertop in the bathroom under the sink, because there it looks noble and elegant.

In various cases, an elm saw cut can be used in the interior. It is sold in a large assortment in online stores. This decor option is quite budgetary. On the basis of elm wood, edged or unedged boards can be made for various jobs and joinery products. A cutting board is often bought in the kitchen.

Made from elm, they are very durable and excellent polishing. A well-defined texture pattern is formed on the surface of this wood, thanks to which the elm veneer will successfully complement any interior design. You can also use elm furniture, for the manufacture of which furniture boards are often purchased.

In terms of strength, such furniture products are not inferior to those practically made from solid oak. In terms of practicality, they are also quite good. Furniture is varied, but most often it is:

• sofas;

• cabinets;

• secretaries;

• dressers;

• beds;

• armchairs;

• bedside tables;

• coffee tables;

• capital dining and office tables.

Window sills made from elm are often praised for environmental friendliness.

They will definitely not emit foreign harmful substances (but here we must remember about the constant risk associated with poor-quality impregnations). This design is inexpensive and insulates well from heat loss. It will not heat up to the same extent in the heat as plastic, besides, it is “pleasant warmth”. However, leaving sometimes raises a number of questions.

Some firms offer services for the manufacture of stairs from elm. They are of good quality, but you need professional equipment and the appropriate skill. Even experienced woodworkers on the whole, who do not have the necessary training in handling such a species, often “fail”. With luck, the appearance and durability of elm ladders will be at a quite high level.

Small-leaved elm is also suitable for the formation of hedges. It combines well there with conifers and deciduous species.... Such a barrier is often created in sunny areas devoid of even a little shading. For decorative purposes, panels from elm are also regularly used. It is designed on the basis of carefully thought out tiles, the production technology of which is already well developed.