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Elm Tree not Blooming #868274

Asked May 13, 2024, 5:42 PM EDT

Our Elm tree has not yet fully bloomed. All trees in the neighborhood have bloomed with the exception of this one. A few branches have but the majority has not. We broke off a branch and it is green.

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.
A couple thoughts.  Elms bloom early, often before they leaf out.  It is possible that you missed the bloom because the early buds froze and now you are seeing the later flowers.
It is also possible that the tree is overfertilized with Nitrogen, a nutrient that promotes leaves at the expense of flowers.  
Please do not break off any more branches.  Elm beetles are flying now and aim for dead wood near a break. 
Send me a picture of the whole tree and of a small cluster of leaves in about a month. 
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I am a human being, not a bot nor AI). I am an avid gardener but am not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I am happy to receive follow-up questions if my responses are incomplete or unclear.  This is the University of MN' garden soil testing service.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is guidance on how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied May 13, 2024, 8:05 PM EDT

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