Knowledgebase

identifying tree? #744369

Asked April 14, 2021, 5:27 PM EDT

These are shooting up all over my yard and I'm tempted to encourage more trees since so many very large, older trees have been removed in our neighborhood. But these seem like they might be Ash or Elm trees that may develop a problem?? Could you identify them and let me know if they should be encouraged or not?

Baltimore City County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi Erin,

Based on the pictures I would guess American Elm rather than Ash.  Ulmus americana (American Elm, Gray Elm, Soft Elm, Water Elm, White Elm) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (ncsu.edu)

Tree "volunteers" typically come from roots that are sending up shoots, so try looking around for a mature tree with matching leaves. 

Once you've identified the type of tree you could pick one or two seedlings and nurture them to maturity, and pull the rest out.

Thanks for contacting us.

Judy

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied April 15, 2021, 4:00 PM EDT

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