Free Shipping On Orders Over $199

Growing Zone: | Garden in
Find your Growing Zone!

Valley Forge American Elm Tree

Ulmus americana 'Valley Forge'

Regular price $11580
Out of stock

Unfortunately, this item cannot be shipped to your state.

Shipping to a different address?

Shipping to your area may be delayed due to weather conditions.

Shipping to a different address?

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone
Plant Size

Plant Sentry™

Plant Sentry Protected

Plant Sentry™ Protected

Your order is protected by our compliance system that:

  • Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
  • Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
  • Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases

Learn more about Plant Sentry™

Delivery and Shipping

Delivery and Shipping

Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Native, Fast-growing, Disease resistant, Drought resistant, and Hedge/Screen

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Ulmus americana 'Valley Forge'
  • Height
    60-80 ft
  • Width
    50-60 ft
  • Growing Zones
    4-7
  • Sunlight
    • Full sun
  • Growth Rate
    Fast
  • Leaf Color
    • Green
    • Yellow
  • Fall Color
    Yellow
  • Native
    Yes
  • Pollinator Friendly
    Yes
  • Bloom Period
    Early Spring, Late Spring

Planting & Care Instructions

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This classic American Elm requires full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate very light shade, maximum sun exposure ensures the strongest limb structure and that signature vase-shaped canopy.
  • Soil: It thrives in rich, moist, loamy soils but is famous for its adaptability to "tough" spots. For heavy clay, mix in organic compost at planting to improve drainage; for sandy soil, add peat moss to help the roots hold onto moisture while the tree is young.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide 10 to 15 gallons of water twice a week to ensure the root ball never completely dries out. Once established, the Valley Forge is remarkably drought-tolerant, though consistent deep watering during summer dry spells prevents leaf scorch and keeps the foliage a vibrant green. Inconsistent watering during heat waves can lead to premature yellowing or a thinner canopy as the tree sheds leaves to conserve energy.

Pruning Tips

Since this variety blooms on old wood in early spring, do your structural pruning in late winter while the tree is dormant. Focus on removing "V-shaped" crotches and maintaining a single central leader to prevent storm damage as the tree matures. Think of this like a haircut that improves posture; by thinning out rubbing branches now, you allow air to flow through the canopy, which naturally discourages fungal issues.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 formula) in early spring before the new buds break. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers in late summer, as this encourages soft, "succulent" growth that won't harden off properly before the first frost, leaving the tree vulnerable to winter kill.

Big, Beautiful Shade Valley Forge American Elm

  • Handsome Shade Tree
  • Introduced by the U.S. National Arboretum
  • Highly Resistant to both Dutch Elm Disease and Elm Leaf Beetle
  • Showy, Vase-Shaped Elm
  • Durable, Adaptable Shade Tree or Street Tree
  • Corrugated, Dark-Green Leaves
  • Beautiful Golden Fall Color
  • Thrives in Urban Settings
  • Tolerates Periodic Drought
  • Cold-Hardy

Take a stand for the bold good looks of American Elm. We've seen a resurgence of interest in these beloved big shade trees, and are so pleased to offer advanced options to our customers.

With excellent disease resistance, Valley Forge American Elm (Ulmus americana 'Valley Forge') brings the traditional, vase-shaped Elm tree back into popular use.

You would know it anywhere. From the brawny trunk to the upright, arching branches with wide "u"-shaped crotches, Elm makes a commanding presence in the landscape.

Finely serrated, highly textured leaves are likewise recognizable. These oversized leaves are very dark green and cast generous shade all season long.

Valley Forge grows larger than the other varieties we recommend. This is a strong, strapping tree for landscapers who want to make a statement.

Gather your family and friends to celebrate the Fourth of July under its optimistic branches. There is plenty of room to picnic in its shade.

Enjoy the vibrant golden fall foliage as nights start getting cooler. Valley Forge American Elm is a tree to be proud of all year long.

The upright, arched branch structure looks great bare for winter, too. That's one reason why Elm was used extensively as a popular street tree.

Valley Forge Elm can carry your landscape design as a single tree with a meaningful story of resilience and prosperity. Or, add it with mighty Oaks and broad-spreading Beeches to create a pastoral setting.

Experience the joy of Elms again. Order pest and disease-resistant Valley Forge American Elm from Nature Hills this season.

How to Use Valley Forge American Elm in the Landscape

You'll enjoy the strength and beauty of these shade trees. Add one on the south or southwest of your property to cool your home in the summertime.

Valley Forge Elm, like its namesake, lives large. Plan for its mature height and spread without pruning or skimping on space.

They look incredible in a grouping to grace roomy properties. Pair with other disease-resistant Elms, to create a collected focal point.

Alternate a Valley Forge American Elm with Pin Oaks along the length of your property. They'll attain similar size but will play off each other with beautiful contrasting colors in fall.

Try this technique along a long driveway, as well. Used in this manner, Valley Forge becomes a formal accent tree on commercial properties.

Go ahead and get people talking. Elms are back in a big way with Valley Forge.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Keep your trees healthy with a planting site in full sun with at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Although they are widely adaptable, you'll get the best performance in well-drained soil.

Ensure your tree has plenty of air circulation and room to spread out. You can prune to correct in late winter, but you'd hate to have to disrupt their astounding Elm form with size control pruning.

Better to choose a more compact variety in small lots. Use Valley Forge American Elm where you have enough room for these impressive shade trees.

No matter which disease-resistant Elm you choose, be sure to add a packet of Nature Hills Root Booster to your order. Follow the directions when planting.

Our nursery teams swear by this time-tested formula. Among the ingredients is mycorrhizal fungus, which works with your tree's tiny feeder roots to encourage optimal access to water and soil nutrients.

We recommend giving it a medium amount of supplemental water. You'll keep your tree stress-free and healthy. Please, protect your investment, especially in times of drought.

Mulch is another helpful way to support your tree. Add a three-inch layer of mulch over the root system, then pull it back six inches from around the trunk.

Native trees give us so much, and these disease-resistant trees perform beautifully in the landscape. For an incredible shade or street tree, order Valley Forge American Elm today.

Find Your Garden's Growing Zone!

Your Current Growing Zone:

Zone

ZIP Code:

✓ Growing Zone Set Successfully!

Your zone has been saved and will be used throughout the site.

⚠ Unable to locate a growing zone for that ZIP code.

Please check your ZIP code and try again.

Looking up your growing zone...

When ordering a tree or plant, make sure to know your planting zone.

You can determine your garden's USDA hardiness zone by entering your Zip Code below.