Have you ever been curious about the differences between elm and yew trees? Whether you are a curious horticulturist or a homeowner looking for the perfect tree to add to your landscape, this article dives into the differences between these two trees.
We will take an in-depth look at the appearance of elm and yew trees, the types of leaves they have, their wood strength and durability, disease resistance, popular locations for them, and their uses.
We will also discuss the pros and cons of each and provide insight into which tree might be the best for you.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Elm and yew trees are both species of coniferous trees, but they differ in many ways.
Elm trees have simple, alternate leaves, while yew trees have flat, needle-like leaves.
Elm tree bark is heavily ridged and furrowed, while yew tree bark is smooth and reddish brown.
Elm trees typically grow to be quite tall, while yews are generally shorter, bushier trees.
Finally, elm trees are deciduous, meaning they drop their leaves each year, while yew trees are evergreen, meaning they keep their leaves year-round.
Appearance of Elm and Yew Trees
Elm and yew trees may appear similar at first glance, but they have quite a few distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Elm trees are known for their tall, straight trunks, while yew trees tend to have an umbrella-like shape.
This is due to the yew trees drooping branches.
The difference in shape is also apparent when comparing the leaves of the two trees.
Elm leaves are characterized by their serrated edges and rough texture.
Yew leaves, on the other hand, are dull, flat, and needle-like.
This feature makes them more resistant to disease.
Another difference between the two trees is the wood they produce.
Elm wood is much harder and stronger than yew wood, making it more suitable for furniture and construction purposes.
Elm wood is also more resistant to damage from rot and insects.
This makes it a better choice for use in urban areas, where it is more likely to come into contact with these types of pests.
The final difference between the two trees is their resistance to disease.
While both types of trees are susceptible to certain types of pests, elm trees are generally more resistant to disease than yew trees.
This is due to the fact that elm wood tends to be harder and stronger than yew wood, making it more difficult for pests to penetrate.
For this reason, elm trees are often the preferred choice for urban areas, as they are less likely to become infected with diseases.
Types of Leaves
When it comes to differences between elm and yew trees, one of the most noticeable is in their leaves.
Elm trees typically have serrated leaves with a rough texture, while yew leaves are dull, flat, and needle-like.
Elm leaves are usually oval or oblong in shape, and the edges of the leaves are toothed and pointed.
They are a dark green on the upper surface, and lighter green on the underside, with veins that are prominent and easily seen.
Yew leaves, on the other hand, are flat and needle-like, and range in color from light to dark green.
The leaves of a yew tree are small and usually around two inches long, and the edges are not toothed like an elm tree.
They are also arranged in two rows on the stem, with the lower row curved inwards.
While both elm and yew leaves are deciduous, the yew’s leaves will remain on the tree longer, usually until early spring.
Wood Strength and Durability
When it comes to wood strength and durability, elm and yew trees have a few distinct differences.
Elm wood is known for being harder and stronger than yew wood, making it more suitable for furniture and construction.
This is because elm wood has a higher density than yew wood, making it more resistant to wear and tear.
Elm wood also has a higher tensile strength, meaning it can withstand more pressure without breaking or cracking.
In addition to being harder and stronger, elm wood is also more resistant to decay and rot than yew wood.
This is due to its high tannin content, which helps protect the wood from moisture and insects.
Elm wood also has a higher fire rating than yew wood, making it a better choice for fireplaces and wood stoves.
Overall, elm wood is stronger and more durable than yew wood, making it a better choice for furniture and construction projects.
It is also more resistant to decay and rot, making it a better choice for outdoor applications.
Disease Resistance
When it comes to disease resistance, elm trees are definitely the winner over yew trees.
Elm trees are known to be more resistant to disease, especially in urban areas, where they are exposed to more pollution and pathogens.
Elm trees are also resistant to Dutch elm disease, a fungal infection that can destroy entire elm populations if left unchecked.
This disease can be especially devastating in dense urban areas, where it can spread easily from one tree to another.
Yew trees, on the other hand, are more susceptible to disease and can be affected by a variety of fungal and bacterial infections.
Yew trees are also more prone to suffer from drought and extreme weather conditions, making them less suitable for urban areas.
Popular Locations for Elm and Yew Trees
Elm and yew trees can both be found in temperate climates, which is why they are so popular.
While they may look similar, they have some distinct differences that make them unique.
Elm trees are most commonly found in North America, while yew trees are more commonly found in Europe and Asia.
In the United States, elm trees are especially common in the Midwest and Eastern states, while yew trees are most commonly found in the Pacific Northwest.
Elm trees can also be found in parts of Canada, while yew trees are more widely spread throughout Europe and Asia.
Elm and yew trees can also be found in urban areas, and they each have their own benefits.
Elm trees are known for their tall, straight trunks, making them ideal for street trees and city parks.
Yew trees, on the other hand, have an umbrella-like shape that can provide shade in smaller areas or along narrow streets.
Elm trees are also more resistant to disease than yew trees, making them a better choice for urban areas.
No matter where you live, elm and yew trees can provide a beautiful addition to any landscape.
They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and their distinct characteristics make them unique.
Whether youre looking for a tall, straight elm tree or a more rounded yew tree, theres sure to be one thats perfect for your space.
Uses for Elm and Yew Trees
The uses for elm and yew trees differ greatly.
Elm trees are most commonly used for furniture and construction due to their strong, hard wood.
They are also used for landscaping, as their tall, straight trunks can provide a unique aesthetic.
Additionally, they are resistant to disease, making them a better choice for urban areas.
Yew trees, on the other hand, are often used for ornamental purposes due to their umbrella-like shape and attractive needles.
Their wood is softer than elm, making it better suited for crafts and carving.
Yew wood is also used for musical instruments, such as violins, and can be used to make bows for archery.
Yew trees are also known to be more resistant to extreme temperatures than elm trees, making them ideal for use in colder climates.
Pros and Cons of Elm and Yew Trees
When it comes to choosing a tree for residential or commercial landscaping, both elm and yew trees have their advantages and disadvantages.
Elm trees are known for their tall, straight trunks and serrated leaves with a rough texture.
These features make them a great choice for providing shade and privacy in a landscape.
Furthermore, elm wood is harder and stronger than yew wood, making it more suitable for furniture and construction.
Elm trees are also known to be more resistant to disease, making them a better choice for urban areas.
Yew trees, on the other hand, have an umbrella-like shape and dull, flat, needle-like leaves.
While yew trees don’t provide as much shade or privacy as elm trees, they can be attractive in a residential garden.
Yew wood is softer and more pliable than elm wood, making it better suited for carving and other decorative applications.
Additionally, yew trees are more tolerant of drought and soil conditions, making them a better choice for areas with poor soil conditions or limited water.
Overall, both elm and yew trees can be great additions to a landscape.
When choosing between the two, consider the specific needs of your landscape and the environment in which the tree will be planted.
Final Thoughts
The differences between elm and yew trees can make deciding between them for landscaping or timber production a difficult decision.
Elm trees are known for their tall, straight trunks, serrated leaves, and strong and durable wood, while yew trees are known for their umbrella-like shape, flat and needle-like leaves, and their susceptibility to disease.
Ultimately, it depends on your soil conditions and the purpose of the tree.
For urban areas, elm trees are a better choice due to their disease resistance.
For timber production, yew trees are better suited for their softer wood.
No matter what your decision, elm and yew trees are both beautiful and versatile additions to any landscape.