How to Prune Winged elm?

(Ulmus alata)

Winged elm, also known as Cork elm

Known for its unique 'winged' branches, winged elm is a robust species requiring minimal routine pruning. Key techniques involve removing dead, damaged, or crossing limbs to maintain plant health and structure. Pruning during late winter or early spring, before new growth commences, is ideal. This timing allows winged elm to heal quickly, reducing the risk of disease. Pruning also stimulates growth, enhances form, and can prevent potential hazards from weak branches. Specific considerations should include sterilizing tools to prevent disease transmission.

What Are the Benefits of Pruning Winged Elm?

Pruning winged elm stimulates vigorous growth and maintains its desired shape. Strategic cutting back removes overcrowded branches, enhancing airflow and sunlight penetration, key to robust health. Controlled size prevents overgrowth, ensuring winged elm fits well in its allocated space.

What Is the Best Time for Pruning Winged Elm?

Spring

Winter

Late winter and early spring are considered the best times for pruning winged elm because during these seasons, the tree is typically dormant. Pruning before the spring growth flush provides winged elm with the opportunity to heal from pruning cuts before entering the active growing phase. It minimizes stress and reduces the chance of infection by pests or diseases that are less active in cooler weather. This timing also avoids removing spring flowers because winged elm blooms on new wood. Additionally, without leaves, the branching structure is more visible, making it easier to identify and remove damaged or diseased branches. Pruning in late winter or early spring helps maintain the tree's health and encourages strong growth in the upcoming season.

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What Tools Do I Need to Prune Winged Elm?

Hand pruners

Ideal for making clean cuts on small branches and twigs of winged elm, causing minimal damage to the plant tissues.

Loppers

Best suited for cutting thicker branches of winged elm which hand pruners cannot handle, providing good leverage and control.

Pruning saw

Useful for removing larger limbs of winged elm that loppers cannot cut through, enabling precise and clean cuts on branches over 1.5 inches in diameter.

Pole pruner

Allows for the safe pruning of higher branches of winged elm from the ground, minimizing the risk of climbing.

Hedge shears

Not typically required unless shaping hedges or creating formal shapes with the foliage of winged elm.

Safety gear

Essential to protect the gardener from potential harm while pruning winged elm, including gloves, safety goggles, and sturdy clothing.

How to Prune Winged Elm

Sterilize

Before starting, ensure all pruning tools are sterilized to prevent the spread of disease. Clean cuts help winged elm heal quickly and efficiently.

Identify

Examine winged elm and identify dead wood, diseased limbs, and damaged branches that require removal. Look for changes in bark texture, color, or branches that lack leaves and flexibility.

Cut

For dead wood and damaged branches, use sharp pruning shears or a saw to make clean cuts. Cut just outside the branch collar to promote proper healing and avoid cutting into living tissue unnecessarily.

Disinfect

After each cut, disinfect the pruning tools. This is especially important when moving from diseased limbs to healthy ones to prevent the spread of pathogens on winged elm.

Shaping

Ensure that the remaining structure of winged elm is balanced and open to light. Pruning should maintain the natural shape of the tree and should not remove more than 25% of the canopy at once to prevent stress.

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Common Pruning Mistakes with Winged Elm

Over-Pruning

Removing too much foliage at once can stress winged elm and potentially lead to disease or decline. It's essential not to remove more than about 25-30% of the crown at once.

Topping

Cutting off the top of winged elm to reduce its height is a harmful practice that can lead to weak regrowth and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Improper Cuts

Making cuts that are too flush with the trunk or leaving stubs can hinder winged elm's natural healing process and lead to decay.

Excessive Cleaning

Removing too many interior branches, often called 'lion's tailing', can cause winged elm to become top-heavy, increasing the risk of branch failure.

Neglecting Tools

Using dull or unclean pruning equipment can cause unnecessary harm to winged elm and spread disease.

Common Pruning Tips for Winged Elm

Selective Pruning

Focus on removing only the necessary branches, such as damaged, dead, or those that cross and rub against each other to encourage healthy growth of winged elm.

Collar Cuts

Prune branches just outside the branch collar to promote faster wound healing without damaging the trunk of winged elm.

Thinning

Thin out branches to improve air circulation and light penetration throughout the canopy of winged elm, which can promote better health and reduce disease incidence.

Shaping

Carefully shape winged elm by targeting specific branches to maintain its natural form rather than shearing or shaping into an unnatural form.

Sterilizing Tools

Clean and sterilize pruning tools before and after use to prevent the spread of disease to or from winged elm.

Sequential Pruning

Spread major pruning work over several seasons if extensive pruning is needed, to avoid shocking winged elm and to allow it to recover gradually.