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Q: Is the Princeton American elm suitable for planting in my area and when is the best time to plant them?
A: If you have deciduous shade trees, like oaks, in your area then the Princeton American elm
is an excellent selection for you. Our elm planting zone map (shown here) displays the remarkable climatic and environmental adaptability of the Princeton elm and appropriate planting times by region. Tropical,
desert and high altitude areas where deciduous trees are not present are not suitable for elms. Elms are not available for shipment to areas shaded in black. If you are not sure what region you are in just give us a
call!
Q: What is the fall color of the Princeton elm?
A: Yellow
Q: Are your trees bare root or container grown?
A: Our elms are shipped in the container they are grown in.
These are the same containers that professional tree growers use to start their trees.
Q: Are these elms grown from seed?
A: No. Our Princeton elms are grown from cuttings off of trees descended
from the original Princeton elm first selected in 1920 for its classic American elm attributes. They are produced on their own root. Elms grown from seed would not reliably exhibit these classic attributes nor have
the high tolerance to Dutch Elm Disease, which makes the Princeton elm so remarkable.
Q: Are these elm trees immune to Dutch Elm Disease?
A: No variety of American elm is totally immune to Dutch
Elm Disease. However, the Princeton American elm has proven tolerant to the fungus (Ophiostoma ulmi). In other words, even though the fungus may infect a Princeton elm, the tree has the ability to tolerate and repel
the fungus without actually succumbing to the deadly disease.
Q: What proof do you have of this disease tolerance?
A: Since its introduction in 1922, the Princeton elm has had a survival rate of
over 95% from ALL causes in the landscape. Additionally, the Princeton elm scored at the top for Dutch elm disease survival in controlled research tests at the USDA National Arboretum. No other variety of American
elm can boast this combined track record.
Q: Can I buy one of these trees at my local garden center?
A: No. Until now, this tree has only been available in very limited quantities to the
professional landscape trade. New propagation techniques allow us to offer the Princeton elm grown on its own root to the general public for the first time.
Q: Are these trees guaranteed?
A:
Yes. For the cost of shipping and handling, Riveredge Farms will replace your tree if it dies for any reason during the first year. After the first year, Riveredge Farms will send you a new tree free of charge
should your tree succumb to Dutch Elm Disease, if you provide us with proof of the disease.
Q: How fast do these elms grow and how big will they become?
A: In most areas the Princeton American
elm can grow 3 to 6 feet a year during its early development. Eventually, an American elm may grow as tall as 80 to 100 feet or even larger depending on site selection.
Q: When is the best time to plant a Princeton elm?
A: Because these trees are container grown and delivered in their containers with their complete root systems intact, the planting season is very long.
In many parts of the country you can plant virtually year round. In cooler climates, the planting season is from April through October. (Consult our map above.)
Q: Is the Princeton American elm a hybrid?
A: No. The Princeton American elm ( Ulmus Americana 'Princeton') is a true variety of American elm first selected in 1920 for its classic beauty and worthwhile
horticultural attributes. It has not been crossed with any other species, foreign or native.
Q: What about other diseases and pests?
A: The Princeton elm has proven to be remarkably resistant to
most diseases and pests that are common in large shade trees. Young elms may be susceptible to leaf spot or chewing insects but these are normally minor short-term cosmetic imperfections that have no long-term
effects on the elms as they mature.
Q: How big are these trees when you ship them and how much do they weigh?
A: We ship our elms in three different sizes. All are shipped in the container they
are grown in with a fully intact root system. 2 1/2 to 4 feet tall (Package weight approx. 5 lbs.) 5 to 6 feet tall (Package weight approx. 6 lbs.) 6' Heavy ( Package weight approx 25 lbs.).
Q: What do I get with the tree? What is in the planting kit?
A: Each Princeton American elm we ship comes with fully illustrated planting and care instructions. The kit includes a protective tree guard,
fertilizer packet and extra bamboo stake.
Q: Are these trees hard to plant?
A: No. Our container grown trees are lightweight and easily planted by virtually anyone. Simply follow the fully
illustrated instructions.
Q: What kind of soil will these trees grow in?
A: The native range of the American elm covers almost all of the eastern United States and these trees are tolerant of
virtually all soil types native to this region, which means almost any soil type in the United States is suitable for American elms.
Q: What about cold hardiness? What about heat tolerance?
A:
The American elm is cold hardy in the bitter cold of the northern plains but is also at home in the sweltering heat of central heat of central Florida and central Texas. It also thrives in all regions in between.
Q: What about other harsh environmental conditions?
A: The Princeton elm thrives in virtually all environmental conditions, including, wet, dry, windy, salt air and partial shade. It is extremely
tolerant of harsh polluted urban conditions, which is one reason why American elms did so well in cities.
Q: Where should I plant my elm?
A: Select a site suitable for a large shade tree.
Ideally your elm should be planted no closer than 15 to 20 feet from a building. Avoid overhead power lines if possible.
Q: How far apart should I plant my elm trees if I buy more than one?
A:
Leave 20 to 50 feet between trees. One of the great things about American elms is that eventually they will grow together creating a classic cathedral-like arch
Q: What if I have underground water or
septic pipes or drain lines? Should I be worried?
A: As long as you do not plant directly on top of a shallowly buried pipe or drain, you should be fine. Unlike oak and pine trees, the American elm does
not develop taproots that go deep into the ground. Trees that require a lot of water like willows and birch can sometimes pose problems to underground water lines and drains but this is not usually the case with elm
trees.
Q: Do Princeton elms develop the classic vase shape I remember from my youth or from photographs?
A: Absolutely! Mature Princeton elms are absolutely gorgeous with all of the beautiful
characteristics that made the American elm the most popular shade tree of all time.
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