Elm

Elms are nutrient and heat-loving trees. In forestry, they belong to the group of deciduous trees. The mountain elm is also found at higher altitudes, while the field elm and European white elm are more common in the lowlands. Elms, which are characterised by very rapid juvenile growth, are typical mixed tree species in beech (mountain elm) and oak forests. Mountain and field elms can become over 400 years old. For decades, however, elms have been in retreat. The main reason for this is the bark beetle and a fungal infection caused by an introduced species of fungus, which causes the trees to die within a few years (elm dieback). Thanks to its processing qualities, elm wood is in great demand, especially for interior finishing and furniture construction.