Ulmus parvifolia or The Chinese Elm is the most popular elm for smaller gardens, growing, as it does, to only 15 metres maximum.
This is a very graceful tree with an attractive weeping habit and small, glossy green leaves which turn yellow in autumn.
The Chinese Elm can grow around one metre each year and the bark becomes mottled in two shades of grey.
It makes a very good shade tree, prefers full sun and is tolerant of urban conditions like compact soils and air pollution.