One of the best ways to beat the Austin heat is stay under cover.  Cedar Elm (Ulmus crassifolia) is one of the finest trees for use in the residential landscape in the Central Texas /Austin area for that reason.

It is a tallish growing native shade tree. It has an attractive form reaching sometimes up to 60’ in height, and spreading as much as 45’.

Typically it is smaller than the description above. It is very suitable for planting in the typical suburban or inner city yard, as it has a somewhat predictable form, a moderate pace of growth and can be used in a group planting.

The shade cast is not extremely dense therefore the Cedar Elm does not shade out bedding plants under it. If used in the lawn it may eventually shade out the lawn as the tree matures, but it will be many years before that is an issue.

Cedar Elms have a slight yellow-orange fall color, is drought tolerant and can be planted in a wide variety of soils.

It also makes a fine street tree, both in dense urban streets as well as more spacious suburban lots. The canopy usually is high enough off the ground so that pedestrians and cars can easily move under it.

Cedar Elms should definitely be considered when you are planning your residential landscape.