Wireless® Zelkova Tree

Wireless® is the low, broad-growing selection of Japanese zelkova known botanically as Zelkova serrata ‘Schmidtlow’. Its wide canopy brings shade and red autumn foliage while staying shorter than many large shade trees, making it a useful choice near streets and overhead utilities where lateral room is available. ## Form and placement Allow roughly 24 feet of height and 35–36 feet of spread at maturity. The branches form a broad, spreading crown, so avoid narrow planting strips and give the canopy room over pavement or lawn. The serrated summer leaves turn red in autumn; the flowers are inconspicuous. Use it as a shade tree in a home landscape, park, or street planting. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun or light part shade in soil that drains well. The tree adapts to a range of soil types and tolerates urban pollution. Water it regularly while it establishes, then reduce supplemental irrigation as the root system settles in; it is reported to tolerate drought once established. Avoid sites that remain wet. ## Maintenance Keep turf and paving clear of the trunk flare, and inspect branch structure as the canopy develops. Prune selectively during dormancy if clearance or a sound framework is needed, avoiding unnecessary removal of the spreading crown. [Utah State University’s arboretum profile](https://extension.usu.edu/botanicalcenter/trees-of-varga-arboretum/wireless-zelkova) reports its mature size, hardiness, fall color, and water use; [the ACT Government fact sheet](https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/1502858/Zelkova-serrata-Schmidtlow-Wireless.pdf) describes its broad habit, site requirements, and drought tolerance after establishment.