Japanese Elm Update for Portland Privacy Landscape Design
Our Privacy Tree right after we planted it in 2020. (Zelkova serrata ‘City Sprite’ Japanese Elm)
I dropped by my clients Chris and Veronica’s Kern neighborhood back yard to get my eyes on their privacy tree, a Japanese elm called City Sprite planted 3 years ago by Landscape Design in a Day.
Privacy Tree Hard at Work 3 Years After Planting in Kern Neighborhood
It is lush and filling in beautifully to minimize the impact of the 3-story apartment building that looms over their small city back yard. We had a great time designing their new back yard and I love seeing the results.
Before Privacy Tree
We placed the City Sprite Elm to provide privacy for the dining area and it’s doing a great job for us. However, it has not been without some worry for my clients.
Beetle Damage on Privacy Screen Tree
Japanese elm is resistant to Dutch Elm Disease so we can use this tree as a long-term solution without worrying it might succumb to the disease that has caused City of Portland to remove so many mature and ginormous elm trees. Veronica noticed a beetle eating the leaves and making lots of holes in the leaves in June. She contacted me to enquire about whether this was a serious problem and if so, should she replace the elm?
Japanese Elm leaves with beetle damage.
As I am not an arborist, I make sure I know some great ones. I talked to Honl Tree Care and sent them photos. They agreed that the defoliation shown in the photo was not serious, were somewhat surprised that the elm beetle was feeding on the Japanese elm as this is not typical. They are confident that her elm tree will not get Dutch elm disease.
The best course of action was to take good care of her tree with proper watering and put up with the beetle’s minor damage. Mind you it doesn’t feel like minor damage especially in June when the beetle is munching away but by July the beetles are done and the tree is looking vigorous and downright robust in spite of the holes in the leaves.
Privacy Landscape Design in N.E. Portland
We love working with tricky city back yards and want to help you enjoy your back yard. Most of us want some privacy to entertain friends and family, and to use your back yard for fun activities or relaxing. Our back yards can also help our community by providing for pollinators and creating shade and cooling. What’s on your wish list?
Let’s work together and transform your back yard into your private and perfect place to be.
Pot with Coral Bell in flower adds interest to pathway.
