did you know?

Known as alternately as the swamp or white elm, this native tree is strongly associated with George Washington, who not only took command of the Continental Army under an American elm but also transplanted them from the swampy shoreline of the Potomac onto his estate at Mount Vernon.

general maintenance:

Prune damaged and weak stems or branches, keeping crown open.

pests/diseases:

American elms are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including leaf spot, phloem necrosis, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, and Dutch elm disease.

controls:

Consult an arborist for diagnosis and treatment of pests and diseases. Prompt removal of diseased branches and possibly entire trees may be necessary.

how to sow/plant:

Choose a sunny to partly sunny site with well-drained soil, making sure there is enough room for tree to reach its mature spread. In early spring, dig a hole twice as wide as container or root ball. Set plant at same depth or slightly higher than it was in the pot, or if balled, level with top of root ball. Fill hole around plant with soil. Mound soil to form a 2-inch-high ridge around perimeter of the hole to act as a catchbasin. If plant is balled in synthetic fabric, remove carefully before planting. Natural-fiber burlap may be left around root ball and then peeled back once plant is set in hole. Water thoroughly, filling the basin and allowing water to settle several times. Spread 2-inch layer of mulch around plant.

water and fertilize:

Depending on rainfall, water weekly to the depth of the root zone for first season. Be sure the soil is moist before the ground freezes in fall. Each spring before growth begins, apply all-purpose fertilizer, following label directions. Once tree is established, usually by the third year, water only in times of drought.

garden hint:

When planting a tree, consider its size at maturity and the conditions that this will create in your garden. A small sapling eventually matures and casts shade over the garden, possibly turning a sunny border into a shade garden.

features:

• Deciduous
• Fall Foliage
• Wet Tolerant

garden uses:

other uses: