Name: Ulmus crassifolia (Cedar Elm)

Average Landscape Size: 40–50 ft tall × 30–40 ft wide; can reach 60+ ft if unpruned; large, spreading canopy

Sun Requirements: Full sun; 6+ hours daily preferred

Water Needs: Low; extremely drought tolerant, native to Texas

Deer Resistance: Moderate

Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9; native and extremely hardy in Willis

Fertilization & Pruning: Minimal fertilizer needed; prune in winter if needed

Detailed Description: This Cedar Elm is the ultimate native Texas shade tree that's perfectly adapted to our Willis climate! This massive 30-gallon size gives you 40 to 50 feet of immediate mature shade, or it can reach 60+ feet naturally. What makes this perfect for Montgomery County? It's completely native to East Texas, so it handles our droughts, heat, and soil conditions better than any other shade tree. You get gorgeous yellow fall color and a spreading canopy that provides fantastic shade for your home. This is instant mature landscaping with a true Texas native!