Bald Cypress vs. Elm Tree in Glenview: Which One Is Right for Your Yard?

Bald Cypress vs. Elm Tree in Glenview: Which One Is Right for Your Yard?

If you’re considering planting a new tree in your yard, you’ve probably come across two options: the Bald Cypress and the Elm Tree. These two trees may not look alike, but they share a few traits.

This guide will explain how they compare, what each one is best known for, and how to decide which one best fits your yard.

What They Have in Common

Before looking at the differences, here’s what the Bald Cypress and the Elm Tree have in common:

They Drop Their Leaves in the Fall

Even though Bald Cypress is a conifer (a tree that usually stays green year-round), it’s one of the few that drops its needles in fall. Elm trees drop their broad leaves around the same time. If you like watching the seasons change in your yard, both trees give you that natural cycle, green in spring and summer, color change in fall, and bare in winter.

They’re Tough and Adaptable

Both trees can grow in different soil types, including areas that stay wet longer after rain. That’s helpful if you have a low spot in your yard or poor drainage. Once settled in, they don’t need constant attention and can handle Glenview’s mix of hot summers, cold winters, and everything in between.

They’re Big Shade Trees

If your main goal is to get shade, these two trees won’t disappoint. Bald Cypress can grow 50–70 feet tall, and many Elm trees grow to about the same height. Some types of Elm can even grow wider than they are tall, casting a large canopy of shade across your yard, driveway, or sidewalk.

They Work in Busy Neighborhoods

Glenview is home to a mix of older and newer homes, and both types of neighborhoods handle city living well. They can deal with pollution, road salt, and compacted soil, which makes them a smart choice for street corners, parkways, and curb strips.

What Makes the Bald Cypress Glenview Unique

The Bald Cypress is often called a southern swamp tree, but don’t let that fool you. It does just fine in Glenview’s climate, and its beauty is worth noticing.

Needles That Look Like Leaves

Bald Cypress has soft, feathery needles almost like a leafy tree. In fall, those needles turn a warm orange-brown color before dropping. It’s not your typical evergreen.

Great for Wet Areas

Bald Cypress is a smart choice if your yard gets soggy, especially after heavy rain or snowmelt. It loves moisture and even grows near standing water. This tree could thrive there if you have a low-lying area or a spot near a drain.

Pyramidal Shape

It has a classic, narrow shape, wider at the base and tighter at the top. That makes it a good fit for yards where space is limited from side to side, but height isn’t an issue.

Slow but Steady Growth

It grows at a medium rate. It won’t shoot up overnight but won’t outgrow your yard too quickly.

What Makes the Elm Tree in Glenview Unique

Elm trees have been part of American neighborhoods for generations. While Dutch elm disease hurt many older trees, newer varieties are much more resistant.

Large, Arching Canopy

Elm trees grow with wide, spreading branches. They’re great if you want a big area of shade, like over a driveway, patio, or front yard.

Faster Growth

Compared to Bald Cypress, many Elm species grow faster. If you’re looking for quicker shade or want to replace a tree that came down recently, Elm can fill the space more quickly.

Classic Street Tree Look

If you picture a long road lined with trees overhead, there’s a good chance you’re picturing Elm trees. Their vase-like shape makes them perfect for lining streets and walkways without getting in the way of pedestrians or cars.

Tough in Urban Spots

Newer types of elm, like Princeton elm or Accolade elm, do well even in harsh conditions, such as pollution, road salt, and compacted parkway soil. That makes them a favorite for city and suburban areas alike.

How to Choose for Your Yard

Here’s a quick list to help you decide between the Bald Cypress and the Elm Tree Glenview:

Choose a Bald Cypress in Glenview if:

● Your yard stays wet after rain or snowmelt

● You like soft, feathery needles that turn orange-brown in fall

● You prefer a tall tree with a narrow, pyramid shape

● You don’t mind slower growth

Choose an Elm Tree if:

● You want fast shade over a driveway, patio, or large yard

● You like wide, arching branches and a full canopy

● You’re planting near a road or sidewalk and need something tough

● You want a tree that grows quickly and spreads out