Triumph Elm

Triumph Elm (Ulmus 'Morton Glossy')

Triumph Elm is a durable hybrid elm with a refined upright vase to oval crown, glossy dark green leaves, and strong branch structure. It delivers broad, cooling shade with reliable yellow fall color for streetscapes, campuses, and large lawns.

Distinctive Features

Bred for strong tolerance to Dutch elm disease and urban stresses, combining the classic elm silhouette with modern durability. Dense canopy and lustrous foliage provide four-season presence with attractive winter branch architecture.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best canopy density and form.
• Soil: Adaptable to most well drained soils; prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment, then deep soak during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9.
• Mature Size: Typically 50 to 60 ft tall and 35 to 45 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Upright vase canopy and glossy foliage create an architectural lawn specimen.
• Street Tree: Handles heat, reflected light, and compacted soils with good performance.
• Shade Tree: Broad crown cools patios, play areas, and open greens.
• Allees and Drives: Repeats cleanly in rows to frame entries and walks.
• Parks and Campuses: Reliable, low-input canopy for large spaces.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water weekly the first 2 to 3 years; transition to occasional deep watering in 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; monitor for typical elm insects and manage as needed.

Why Choose Triumph Elm?

• Disease Tolerance: Strong performance against Dutch elm disease.
• Urban Toughness: Withstands heat, wind, and city conditions.
• Classic Elm Form: Iconic vase shape with fine-textured foliage.
• Fast Establishment: Builds shade quickly with routine early care.
• Year-Round Interest: Glossy leaves, graceful structure, and clean winter silhouette.

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