Caucasian Zelkova Care
Zelkova carpinifolia
A large and long-lived shade tree known for its resistance to Dutch elm disease and its elegant vase-shaped structure. Although drought tolerant, it prefers moist soils and grows better with summer irrigation in Izmir.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Watering: Not required; the plant is dormant and winter rains are sufficient.
- Pruning: Structural pruning is the best time to clear broken, dead or unwanted branches. Pruning is especially important on young trees to build a good framework.
- Pruning: While dormant, remove dry, broken, crossing and inward-growing branches so that air and light reach the inside of the crown.
- General care: The plant is preparing to wake up.
- Watering: As rainfall decreases, water newly planted seedlings once a week. It is generally not needed for established trees.
- Fertilizing: If the soil is very poor or for young saplings, a slow-release balanced fertilizer (e.g. NPK 10-10-10) can be applied at the beginning of the month. Do not overapply.
- Plant protection: Check the newly emerging fresh leaves for aphids.
- General care: New shoots appear.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- General care: The tree is leafing out rapidly.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- Plant protection: Generally hardy.
- General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
- General care: Irrigation is important for helping the tree get through summer stress.
- Pests & diseases: Water stress can weaken the tree; pay attention to the watering of young trees.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
- General care: The tree gets through the hottest part of summer.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
- General care: The tree is gradually preparing for winter.
- Pests & diseases: Check the general health of the plant.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- General care: The tree is preparing for autumn color and leaf drop. This is one of the best months for planting new trees.
- Pests & diseases: Observe trees that were stressed during the summer for signs of weakness.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- General care: The leaves take on a yellow-brown color and begin to fall. The suitable period for new plantings continues.
- Pruning: After the leaves have completely fallen, pruning can be planned.
- General care: Collect fallen leaves; many disease agents and pests overwinter under leaves.
- Pruning: This is the most suitable period for pruning.
- General care: The tree is fully dormant.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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