New Harmony American Elm

New Harmony American Elm (Ulmus americana 'New Harmony')

New Harmony American Elm is a refined, disease-tolerant selection with the classic upright vase shape and arching limbs that define the species. Glossy green foliage casts broad, cooling shade and turns yellow in fall, making a durable anchor for streetscapes and large landscapes.

Distinctive Features

Selected for strong tolerance to Dutch elm disease with excellent cold hardiness and urban adaptability. Uniform branching and a high canopy echo historic American elm avenues while offering modern reliability.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best canopy density and form.
• Soil: Adaptable to most well drained soils, including loams and urban clays.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment, then deep soak in extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9.
• Mature Size: Typically 60 to 70 ft tall and 50 to 60 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Iconic vase-shaped canopy provides architectural structure and generous shade.
• Street Tree: Performs along sidewalks and medians with good urban tolerance.
• Shade Tree: Broad crown cools lawns, patios, and play areas.
• Allees and Drives: Repeats elegantly in rows to frame entries and walks.
• Parks and Campuses: Reliable large-scale shade for open greens and gathering spaces.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water weekly the first 2 to 3 years; transition to occasional deep watering during drought.
• Pruning: Train early for strong structure and clearance; prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing wood.
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring only if soil tests indicate deficiency.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 to 3 inch mulch ring to conserve moisture and protect roots, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Avoid chronically wet soils and allow room for mature canopy; monitor for typical elm insects.

Why Choose New Harmony American Elm?

• Disease Tolerance: Bred and selected for strong Dutch elm disease performance.
• Classic Elm Silhouette: Upright vase form with graceful arching limbs.
• Urban Toughness: Withstands heat, wind, and city conditions.
• Fast Establishment: Builds a cooling canopy with routine early care.
• Long-Term Value: Durable structure and broad shade enhance property and comfort.

Plant in full sun with room to develop the canopy, water deeply during establishment, and shape early for a long-lived, well-structured street or lawn tree.