During the Qin and Han Dynasties, in order to prevent Huns from invading, elms were widely planted in some border fortresses to intercept enemy cavalry and protect the environment.

Elm enjoys light, drought resistance, cold resistance, barren resistance and strong adaptability. Developed root system, strong wind resistance and soil conservation. Strong germination and pruning resistance. Fast growth and long life. Resistant to dry and cold climate and moderate salinity, but not to water and humidity (resistant to rainy season waterlogging). It has anti-pollution and strong dust retention ability for leaves.

It grows well in alluvial soil and the Loess Plateau with deep, fertile soil and good drainage. It can be used as afforestation or "four-sided" greening tree species in northwest desert, North China and Huaibei plain, hills and northeast barren hills, sandy land and coastal saline-alkali land.