When we moved into our home a year ago, the only thing growing on the lot where 5 mature Siberian elm trees. As most know, Siberian elms are an invasive species here in the southwest . They spread like wild fire; in fact, Albuquerque use to be called “Elm City”. Their deep, ambitious roots suck down the water table level beneath them. Conversely, the more shallow rooted native tree species raise the water table with its suction. Elms are also intensely competitive and quick to travel to and dominate available water sources.
I desired immediate removal of the trees. My husband took his stand in the opposite corner. They provide the only shade to cool our house in the summer and, in most practical terms, we couldn’t afford to have these giants professionally removed. So they remain. Normally a friend to trees, I cursed these residents as if they were a theif in the neiborhood, especially the one that canopies over my meditation garden. “How could I create a sacred garden at the base of gigantic cancer?” I spat.
After many trials and errors developing my healing garden beneath the elm, here are a few lessons I have learned. Avoid any superfulous digging beneath an elm. I created raised pathways that shed water into planting areas by digging dirt from the beds and adding it to the path. Everywhere I broke into an elm root to do that, I created a sucker tree. Furthermore, all the topsoil (which there wasn’t much) occupies the path instead of in the bed. Instead, create a change in elevation by building the path up with old newspaper, junk mail, and fill dirt and leave the beds alone. Top dress the beds with compost and mulch.
Plant in tight groupings for a dozen reasons, one being that the collective root systems can form an alliance against greedy elm roots. Elm roots mat under drip emitters, making root success of other plants fighting for that very localized water source very difficult. Group desired plants so that the edge of their mature roots barely overlap. This way, root systems insulate each other and begin working collectively. Then, use in-line irrigation (spagetti tubing with a one-gallon emitter every six inches) around and between the plants instead of two gallon emitters at the base of the desired plants. This creates a wet area for many plants to thrive and a complex root system that can better compete with the elm.
Finally, my permaculture training reminds me the problem is the solution. Can I learn something from the elm other than what not to do? The siberian elm thrives effortlessly, something for which I strive. Maybe if I practice being an open student, I can gain some wisdom from my time beneath the elm. Of course, I still wait to meet a tree trimmer interested in trading work with me. Until then, as I plant each new plant in my garden, I pray that it will learn from the elm to thrive effortlessly. May we all.
Tags: elm trees, gardening challenges, gardening with elm trees, siberian elms
