Colorado Bonsai – Rethinking the dreaded Siberian elm
Santa Fe – New Mexican has a very interesting article titled “Rethinking the dreaded Siberian elm“. In this article Nate McDowell questions the wisdom of cutting down all of the Siberian elms in New Mexico. Nate goes on to say climate change is coming and the Siberian elm will be able to survive under these new condition, most other vegetation will not. He also says you can eat the seeds of the tree to. Nate lists pluses and minuses for the tree so everyone can make an informed decision on to keep them or not? I have added the article to the Elms Bonsai page under Deciduous Bonsai and Bonsai Tree Information pages.
Hell to the no. My 1950’s neighborhood has experienced so much damage from Siberian elms. Sidewalks, sewers, water mains, foundations and roofs. I used to have to spends hours and hours every year pulling elm seedlings with pliers. Now that most of the neighbors have removed them it’s rare I have to do seedling patrols. A neighbor – the siberian elm in the back yard dropped a big limb put a hole in his roof. The sewer and water lines at the house had already been replaced as well as the house sidewalks by the home owner before him when the front yard elm came out. After it was cut down it tried to regrow from a root in my yard. It took me forever to stop it.
They’re a non-native invasive tree that spreads like crazy. If they were sterile that would be ok. They do way too much damage to justify having them.
Well I don’t disagree with your post, but I doubt my little Siberian elm will cause any damage. None in the neighbor either. They make great Bonsai trees though!!