Green Vase Japanese Zelkova Zelkova serrata

Why Choose a Green Vase Japanese Zelkova?

The Green Vase Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata 'Green Vase') is a beautiful, fast-growing deciduous tree prized for its elegant form and vibrant foliage. Here are compelling reasons to plant one:

• Stunning Fall Color: Leaves transition from bright green to brilliant shades of orange, bronze, and red in autumn, creating a striking seasonal display.
• Graceful Form: Its vase-shaped canopy, with upward-arching branches, provides an attractive silhouette, making it ideal as a shade tree or street tree.
• Urban Tolerance: Highly adaptable to urban environments, it tolerates pollution, compacted soils, and drought, making it perfect for city landscapes.
• Fast Growth: Grows quickly (1-2 feet per year) to a mature height of 50-70 feet and a spread of 40-50 feet, providing shade and beauty in a relatively short time.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care and is resistant to many pests and diseases, including Dutch elm disease, making it a great alternative to elms.
• Wildlife Support: Provides habitat and food for birds and small mammals, enhancing local biodiversity.

Grow Zone

The Green Vase Japanese Zelkova is hardy in USDA Zones 5-8, thriving in a wide range of climates across the United States, from the Northeast to the Midwest and parts of the South. It performs best in temperate regions with moderate summers and winters.

Plant Care

With proper care, the Green Vase Japanese Zelkova will thrive and enhance your landscape for decades. Follow these guidelines:

• Light: Prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade. Full sun promotes optimal growth and vibrant fall color.
• Soil: Adapts to a variety of well-drained soils, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils, with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. Avoid poorly drained or waterlogged sites.
• Water: Water regularly during the first 1-2 years to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and to maintain its vase-shaped form. Young trees may need structural pruning to encourage strong branching.
• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring if growth appears slow. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it may lead to weak growth.
• Pests/Diseases: Generally pest- and disease-resistant, but monitor for scale insects, spider mites, or leaf spot. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent issues.

Planting Instructions

Plant your Green Vase Japanese Zelkova in spring or fall for best root establishment. Follow these steps:

1. Choose a Site: Select a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Ensure enough space for the tree’s mature size (50-70 feet tall, 40-50 feet wide). Avoid areas prone to standing water.
2. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole 2 times wider than the root ball and as deep as the root ball’s height. Loosen the surrounding soil to encourage root growth.
3. Plant the Tree: Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill with native soil, tamping gently to eliminate air pockets.
4. Water Thoroughly: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base (keeping it 2-3 inches away from the trunk) to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
5. Stake if Needed: For young trees in windy areas, use stakes to stabilize for the first 1-2 years to support root establishment.
6. Monitor Growth: Water weekly during the first growing season, especially during dry spells, to establish a strong root system. Reduce watering frequency once established.

Conclusion

The Green Vase Japanese Zelkova is an excellent choice for homeowners, landscapers, or urban planners seeking a fast-growing, low-maintenance tree with year-round beauty. Its elegant form, vibrant fall colors, and adaptability to urban conditions make it a standout addition to any landscape. Plant one today to enjoy its shade, aesthetic appeal, and ecological benefits for years to come.

* The Mature trees can take up to 14 days to deliver and must be installed and watered right away and each day for up to 2 weeks. We require a minimum of 2 trees of this size to deliver and require someone to be available for delivery. This tree is usually for comercial sites. Call for contractor and landscaper discounts. We can bid on your comercial job.

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