Knowledgebase

Topped off elm tree #851880

Asked October 02, 2023, 12:56 PM EDT

Hi, I purchased a DED "St. Croix " elm tree in May from one of the on-line nurseries. Unfortunately, when it arrived, I saw the sapling was topped off, with no leader. Now it's sprouting GINORMOUS leaves. I'm assuming this is because there is no leader, and tree roots need more energy. Is this tree doomed? Is there something I need to be doing to it? Thanks!

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi Margi,

It is possible to create a new leader. You can prune back a few of the branches to let one dominate ( be taller).

\https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pruning-trees-home-landscape

https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/613.pdf

I wouldn't worry about the leaf size. It looks healthy and worth saving. Wait until winter or early spring and then choose one branch to be the new leader. Prune off a few branches so you can the new leader is tallest, you may need to gently tie it to a training stick for the summer to help keep it straight.

Good luck,

Sally Granath

St. Louis County MG

An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 03, 2023, 8:54 PM EDT

Hello extension,

I was successful in establishing a new leader for this St. CROIX elm tree !

I removed the supporting pole it was attached to last week and now it is doubled over and floppy, it blows about in the wind.

I'm wondering if you have any suggestions for pruning it? Or should I just let nature take its course and hopefully in time it will straighten itself out. I was going to keep it braced /tied for another year but a neighbor said over time that actually makes for a weak tree.

Thanks,

Margarita

On Tue, Oct 3, 2023, 7:54 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied May 20, 2024, 12:37 PM EDT

Hi Margi,

Your neighbor is correct, however, if you think the tree is so floppy it might snap I think it's better to brace it up. You can use two poles on either side of the tree and put loose slings around it so it can still blow in the wind but will be restrained if it bends too much.

https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/staking-and-guying-trees

Also pull away the mulch and soil right around your tree. The main flare roots should be a little exposed to "breath".

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/2021/05/28/how-to-deal-with-surface-tree-roots/

Happy for your success,

Sally Granath

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 20, 2024, 9:31 PM EDT

Thank you so much for the info! So useful to be able to chat with an actual gardener.

I find when I Google and watch you tube videos I get conflicting and confusing plant information.

I have removed the woodchips away from the trunk and will look for a flare root to dig out

(This is helpful advice for the other trees I have planted too )

Happily,

the floppy leader ,does not appear to be in any danger of breaking off - it is green and supple, and kind of reminds me of a weeping willow branch.

Best,

Margi

On Mon, May 20, 2024, 8:31 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied May 21, 2024, 1:31 PM EDT