Thank you for the thought. At first I thought that the leaves were opposite, which would mean that it couldn't be an elm. But as I look at the photo closer, they look alternate. (I am not usually identifying trees, so I don't usually stop and think of the major identifying features to check through.) Thanks again.

I vote for Fantex Ash. It goes dormant in winter. Not a single problem frost. It puts on slow to moderate growth, but is not invasive. Nice shade and a very beautiful symmetrical tree. Chinese evergreen ash is also nice. Small leaves but beautiful trunk and nice canopy. The drake variety is supposed to be a faster grower. Also goes dormant in winter and no probs with frost. Can't go wrong with either one.

Actually, I've heard stories of the ficus root systems lifting concrete driveways here in Phoenix. I intensely dislike those trees, for a number of reasons: First and foremost, they're water hogs. And if they don't get the water they want, that's when you get the wandering roots. Second, they are frost sensitive - many people ended up with dead or misshapen trees when we had the one cold night around New Years two years ago (and a particular nursery that promotes them heavily does not extend their warranty for frost). An established tree is not going to die, but you can count on having to cover it for any frost warnings for the first two winters. Third, their canopy is very dense- almost nothing will survive under it that needs sunlight - most grass will not. Fourth - these are *big* trees. Visit ASU's campus if you haven't seen a full grown one - they're right beside the ped bridge on University. They have a canopy that is 60-80' across. It'll take a few years for them to reach that size, but that's a lot of pruning that will have to be done to keep it in control, unless you have a fairly large yard. I wouldn't put it next to a pool, not only for the roots, but because it drops berry-sized fruits. Any 'evergreen' tree means that it doesn't drop all of its leaves at once, but will continue to drop them throughout the year. The Chinese Elm is an attractive tree, typically with a weeping form and interesting bark (some cultivars are called 'Lacebark Elms'). GT is right - I have no idea how it got the name evergreen. You also have to be careful about over-watering them, we lost one that was on a sprinkler watered lawn, it broke in a monsoon. These also get really tall, but not with the spread of the Ficus. Seriously, if I had a pool, I'd probably put a shade structure (pergola, patio, whatever) rather than a tree, but I know just about everyone does. Okay, enough for one night!

Well ! There are many so called Chinese Elms. Many are Zelkova species. However I have been caring for these since 1972. That was when I was told it was an inside tree. It does not like overwintering inside : it gets dried out for one. This tree likes light as do most Bonsai , and plenty of it. I always keep these trees as normal outside trees, over wintering outside with a small bubble wrap cover. They need to lose their leaves just like any other broadleaf tree. Since I used this approach , I have never lost one. All my bonsai get a daily watering or two in a hot summer. Best is one early morning and another late afternoon. The Chinese Elm is just the same and loves this. I live in England near Warwick Castle. I prune these trees quite often and feed with Bio Gold solid blocks--2-3 each. This is a natural feed and you should never lose these to over feeding. These trees also need Oxygen for their roots so a fairly loose soil based on Akadama and Lava with a little compost and bark flakes.. Hydrogen Peroxide is excellent to improve Oxygenation is your soil is too soggy (repot ). You will need to dilute 3% HO2O as it can burn your roots if too strong mixture is used. I use a table spoon per 1/2 pint jug.. Most deciduous trees are hardy in my climate. So don't overdo the cocooning during winter.....during this time they don't need light at all , but should be kept just moist and no feed !!! or you will encourage growth during the winter , not what you want. So good luck . I hope this helps.