I live in southern California about fifty miles from San Diego in the desert area. I have a Chinese elm treated as an outdoor tree. I use a humidity tray. Since there is no real winter here the tree is likely to remain green all year long without going into its rest period. Do I have the wrong tree for the area? How can I compensate for the lack of a winter?

As far as I know (could be wrong..) Chinese Elm doesn't really need a cold spell to thrive as does say a Juniper - it's just going to pretend it's an evergreen. As long as it looks OK it will be

Dave

I find that mine does not drop leaves until the spring no matter how cold it is. We have even resorted to de leafing in late winter as they show signs of stress if they do not have a rest. It will be difficult of course if it does not get cold.