Japanese Zelkova

[Edwin Davidson]

I am interested in planting Japanese Zelkova in my yard as I feel it is the most appropriate match for what I am looking for. I want a fast growing tree that can live in SW Missouri USA, has no/low fruit cleanup, low health problems, and a good, tall shade tree. (I already have short fruit trees on the property for the wildlife - apple/crabapple/pear.)

The Japanese Zelkova seems to match my desires better than any other tree I have researched.

The problem is I cannot locate someone that sells these. Is there another name for these that I would have better luck with? Any links to websites that sell these? The ones I have found on Google search either are not in stock, outside the USA, or are Bonzi trees.

Thanks!

Edwin Davidson.

[William Wagner]

not be for retail, but a local retail may be able to help.

William(Bill)

[Pam - gardengal]

?id=28 should get you started, however Zelkovas are quite highly recommended for your location and should be pretty readily available at any good local nursery or garden center.

pam - gardengal

[David Ross]

Just water it deeply to prevent surface roots, and prune it to U crotches instead of V crotches.

My entire block (~35 homes on each side of the street) was planted with Japanese zelkova as the street tree about 32 years ago. Many still remain.

My nextdoor neighbors lost theirs just two weeks ago when it split, a result of improper pruning by the county. The county is only interested in ensuring clearance under street trees for trash trucks and street sweepers, not in the health of the trees. I never let the county near my tree.

[beeky]

I agree with Pam, you should be able to find Zelkova locally. I recomment the variety 'Village Green'.

--beeky

Edw> I am interested in planting Japanese Zelkova in my yard as I feel it

[Edwin Davidson]

I've always rented -- so this is somewhat new to me.

How does one properly water it deep? I have a sprinkler system over the yard, so that would promote surface roots, right? I recall one of my grandparents had a pipe in the yard to water the tree (not in Missouri.,) but I have concreate like rock about 3-6 inches under the soil everywhere, which makes it take a very long time to dig. It is common to see bedrock near/above the soil here, though I am on the side of a hill - so it is a bit looser than at my other grandparents (it is solid rock most of the place there.)