{"product_id":"drake-elm-tree","title":"Drake Elm Tree","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Perfect Fast-Growing Shade Tree for Modern Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eDrake Elm Tree\u003c\/strong\u003e is a fast-growing, durable shade tree for homeowners who want quick canopy, refined texture, and year-round visual interest without the maintenance problems common to many traditional elms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as \u003cstrong\u003eUlmus parvifolia ‘Drake’\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eChinese elm\u003c\/strong\u003e, or \u003cstrong\u003elacebark elm\u003c\/strong\u003e, this cultivar creates generous shade, develops beautiful mottled bark, and adapts well to modern yards, streetscapes, and urban planting areas. If you want a tree that can grow quickly now and remain useful for the future, Drake Elm is a strong fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You’ll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFast shade, faster results\u003c\/strong\u003e – The Drake elm (\u003cem\u003eUlmus parvifolia ‘Drake’\u003c\/em\u003e) is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) and a spread of 35 to 50 feet (10 to 15 meters).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow-maintenance once established\u003c\/strong\u003e – Once established, the Drake Elm is highly drought-tolerant and can manage occasional brief flooding, helping reduce long-term watering demands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeautiful bark in every season\u003c\/strong\u003e – The Drake elm tree features a unique mottled bark that displays shades of grey, green, orange, and brown, adding visual interest to its appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt for tough landscapes\u003c\/strong\u003e – This tree is known for its resilience, being tolerant of heat, drought, and wind, making it suitable for urban environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGraceful canopy shape\u003c\/strong\u003e – Drake elms have a rounded to weeping vase shape, characterized by long arching branches that create a graceful and charming canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts small, dark green leaves create a dense green canopy in spring and summer, while the exfoliating trunk and branches keep the tree attractive after leaf drop in colder climates. In mild California areas, Drake may hold foliage longer than many deciduous trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes It Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost shade trees either grow slowly, demand perfect soil, or come with major pest and disease concerns. \u003cstrong\u003eDrake Elm\u003c\/strong\u003e is built differently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdapts to difficult soil\u003c\/strong\u003e – Drake elms are adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, and can thrive in both acidic and alkaline conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandles city conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e – The Drake Elm has high tolerance for urban air pollution and compacted soils, making it suitable for city landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOffers ornamental bark, not just shade\u003c\/strong\u003e – Its lacebark elm character gives the trunk a layered mix of grey, green, orange, and brown shades that most deciduous shade trees cannot match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutperforms many traditional elms\u003c\/strong\u003e – Compared with many American elms, Drake offers better disease resilience and a more manageable mature size for modern properties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFits a wide climate range\u003c\/strong\u003e – Drake elms thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, making them suitable for a variety of climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor best performance, remember that this variety still needs smart placement. The aggressive, shallow root system of the Drake Elm can damage sidewalks, driveways, and sewer lines if planted too close to structures. Give this tree enough area to grow wide, tall, and strong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow To Grow The Drake Elm Tree Successfully\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoose the right planting site\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSelect a full sun location with room for the mature canopy. Drake elms can grow up to 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide, so it’s important to provide them with enough space when planting. Avoid tight spots near sidewalks, driveways, sewer lines, and overhead utilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant in well drained soil and water deeply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrepare a wide planting hole, keep the root flare at grade, backfill with native soil, and mulch around the tree without piling mulch against the trunk. These trees require full sun and adequate watering during the growing season to ensure healthy growth, especially during the first year while new growth and roots establish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrain the structure as the canopy develops\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs the Drake elm grows, prune early to create a strong central leader and balanced branch spacing. Branches of the Drake Elm can snap or drop during storms if not properly pruned to maintain a strong central leader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the right start, Drake develops into a great shade tree with arching branches, a rounded canopy, and textured bark that improves with time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTree Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eUlmus parvifolia ‘Drake’\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drake elm, Drake Chinese elm, lacebark elm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTree type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fast-growing deciduous to semi-evergreen shade tree, depending on climate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature size:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Drake elm (\u003cem\u003eUlmus parvifolia ‘Drake’\u003c\/em\u003e) is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) and a spread of 35 to 50 feet (10 to 15 meters).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional size note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drake elms can grow up to 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide, so it’s important to provide them with enough space when planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drake elms have a rounded to weeping vase shape, characterized by long arching branches that create a graceful and charming canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeaves:\u003c\/strong\u003e The leaves of the Drake elm are small, dark green, and toothed, typically measuring around 2 inches (5 cm) long, with prominent veins that enhance their ornamental appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers and fruit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drake elm trees produce small, winged samaras that appear in the spring, which are flat and papery, adding to the tree’s ornamental characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSelf-seeding note:\u003c\/strong\u003e The tree produces millions of winged samaras, leading to aggressive self-seeding that can create maintenance challenges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBark:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Drake elm tree features a unique mottled bark that displays shades of grey, green, orange, and brown, adding visual interest to its appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun exposure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun is best, though partial sun may be tolerated in some locations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drake elms are adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, and can thrive in both acidic and alkaline conditions. Well drained soil is preferred.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUrban tolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Drake Elm has high tolerance for urban air pollution and compacted soils, making it suitable for city landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeather tolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e This tree is known for its resilience, being tolerant of heat, drought, and wind, making it suitable for urban environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrought tolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Once established, the Drake Elm is highly drought-tolerant and can manage occasional brief flooding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e It thrives best in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9 and can tolerate cold down to roughly 5°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBroader zone range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drake elms thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, making them suitable for a variety of climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-fast to fast, often producing noticeable new growth each year under good care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prune young trees to build structure, manage seedlings, and avoid planting too close to hardscape or utilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It’s For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalifornia homeowners\u003c\/strong\u003e who want a fast-growing shade tree with dark green foliage and long-season beauty, and who may also be comparing \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/flowering-trees\"\u003eflowering trees for curb appeal and seasonal color\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProperty owners with urban or suburban soil challenges\u003c\/strong\u003e, including clay, compacted soil, heat, and wind exposure, who may also benefit from versatile options like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/fern-pine-tree-podocarpus-gracilior\"\u003eFern Pine privacy and shade trees\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape designers\u003c\/strong\u003e creating drought-tolerant installations with strong structure and year-round bark interest who want quick access to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/\"\u003eevergreen, fast-growing, and privacy trees\u003c\/a\u003e for layered planting plans\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHomeowners wanting a specimen tree\u003c\/strong\u003e with a textured trunk, arching branches, and a wide canopy, or those considering \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/trees\"\u003emature trees for instant shade and structure\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnyone planning for the future\u003c\/strong\u003e who wants quick landscape transformation without choosing a fragile tree\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrake Elm is also a great option if you are wondering which elms perform well in tough environments. Native to parts of China, Japan, and Korea, \u003cem\u003eUlmus parvifolia\u003c\/em\u003e has also become familiar to many plant lovers through bonsai and through other selections like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/chinese-elm-true-green-ulmus-parvifolia-true-green\"\u003eTrue Green Chinese Elm\u003c\/a\u003e and the broader \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/chinese-elm-ulmus-parvifolia-24-box\"\u003eChinese Elm shade tree\u003c\/a\u003e, though Drake is best known as a full-size landscape cultivar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the Drake Elm easy to plant and establish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Drake is relatively easy to establish when planted in full sun, well drained soil, and a properly sized area. Water consistently during the first growing season, then reduce watering as the tree becomes established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much water does a Drake Elm need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese trees require full sun and adequate watering during the growing season to ensure healthy growth. Once established, the Drake Elm is highly drought-tolerant and can manage occasional brief flooding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill Drake Elm seedlings become a problem?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey can. The tree produces millions of winged samaras, leading to aggressive self-seeding that can create maintenance challenges. If seedlings appear, remove them early before they develop strong roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Drake Elm resistant to pests and disease?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDrake is considered a hardy Chinese elm cultivar with strong resilience compared with many traditional elms. It is also tolerant of heat, drought, wind, urban air pollution, and compacted soils, making it suitable for demanding landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Drake Elm damage sidewalks or pipes?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, placement matters. The aggressive, shallow root system of the Drake Elm can damage sidewalks, driveways, and sewer lines if planted too close to structures. Leave generous planting space and ask for site-specific tips before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Yardwork help me decide if Drake Elm is right for my area?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Visit Yardwork to review tree details, hear recommendations for your site, and find support with delivery, guarantee information, consultation services, and soil testing before planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Transform Your Landscape?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStop waiting years for a slow-growing shade tree to mature. Choose \u003cstrong\u003eDrake Elm\u003c\/strong\u003e and create a cooler, greener, more beautiful outdoor space with a fast-growing tree known for graceful form, durable performance, and standout bark, or compare it with compact options like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/rocky-mountain-glow-maple-acer-grandidentatum-rocky-mountain-glow%C2%AE\"\u003eRocky Mountain Glow Maple shade tree\u003c\/a\u003e for smaller spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrder your \u003cstrong\u003eDrake Elm Tree\u003c\/strong\u003e through Yardwork and move forward with confidence, or explore Yardwork’s \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/pages\/plant-nursery-near-me\"\u003eonline plant nursery and landscape support\u003c\/a\u003e for even more options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYardwork also offers consultation services and soil testing support to help you plant in the right place, improve establishment, and enjoy your tree for years to come, whether you’re adding productive \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/citrus\"\u003ecitrus fruit trees for your landscape\u003c\/a\u003e or complementary shade companions like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/california-pepper-tree-schinus-molle\"\u003eCalifornia Pepper Tree and other featured trees\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yardwork Nursery","offers":[{"title":"24\" Box","offer_id":46071589372077,"sku":null,"price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"36\" Box","offer_id":46071589404845,"sku":null,"price":1850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48\" Box","offer_id":46071589437613,"sku":null,"price":4500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60\" Box","offer_id":46071589470381,"sku":null,"price":7500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/files\/DrakeElmTree.jpg?v=1780276923","url":"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/drake-elm-tree","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}