Zelkovas transplant well but are much more successful if planted in the spring, rather than in the fall. Plant container grown stock anytime during the growing season.
Site zelkovas in full sun. They are agreeable to almost any type of well-drained soil except sand. They tolerate a range of pH, compacted soil, pollution, and even drought, once they are established. Do not plant near where a diseased elm may formerly have been located, because while they are very resistant to Dutch elm disease, planting them in the same location as an elm that died from Dutch elm disease is just looking for trouble. Newly planted zelkovas are susceptible to wind and may need temporary staking their first year.