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Princeton American Elm Tree

Ulmus americana 'Princeton'

  • Princeton Elm Offers Dutch Elm Disease Resistance, Reviving America's Classic Shade Tree Legacy
  • Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
  • Grows 60-80 ft Tall, 40-60 ft Wide
  • Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
  • Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: Give this tree a spot with full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily. While it can handle very light shade, full sun ensures the tree grows straight and develops the classic vase-shaped canopy quickly.
  • Soil: Princeton Elms are incredibly adaptable and thrive in almost any soil type, from heavy clay to sandy loam, provided it drains reasonably well. They are also highly tolerant of urban conditions and salt, making them an excellent choice for street planting or difficult areas near driveways.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply and consistently for the first two years to establish the massive root system this large tree requires. Once established, this Elm is surprisingly drought-tolerant, though it will grow fastest and look best with occasional deep soaks during hot, dry spells. Inconsistent watering during establishment can lead to slower growth and sparse leafing.

Pruning Tips

Prune this tree in late winter or very early spring while it is still dormant and before the sap begins to flow. Focus on removing any crossed branches or those growing at narrow angles to the trunk to ensure a strong structural framework that withstands high winds. Since Elms can be susceptible to beetle activity in warm weather, winter pruning is the safest way to maintain tree health.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release, balanced tree fertilizer around the drip line in early spring just as new green growth begins to appear. Avoid applying nitrogen-heavy fertilizers after mid-summer, as this pushes soft new growth that will be damaged by the first frost.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 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
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Specifications

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics Cold hardy, Fast-growing, Disease resistant, Clay Tolerant, Salt Tolerant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Thornless, Hedge/Screen
Hardiness Zone 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Flower Color Green
Height 60-80 ft
Width 40-60 ft
Sunlight Full sun
Growth Rate Fast
Native Yes
Preferred Soil Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Watering Needs Moderate
Botanical Name Ulmus americana 'Princeton'
Class Rosales
Species americana
Cultivar Princeton
Does Not Ship To AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR

Frequently Asked Questions

How many elm streets are there in the united states?

  • Elm Street is the most popular street name in the United States, a testament to how widely these trees once lined American streets before Dutch Elm Disease struck in the 1930s. The exact number isn't definitively tracked, but thousands exist nationwide. Consider planting disease-resistant Princeton Elms in zones 4-9 to restore this classic streetscape tradition.

How tall and wide will a mature Princeton American Elm tree grow?

  • Princeton American Elms typically reach 60-80 feet tall with a 40-60 foot spread at maturity. These fast-growing natives develop the classic vase-shaped canopy that made elm-lined streets famous. Plan for adequate space when planting, as available at naturehills.com for zones 4-9.

Is the Princeton American Elm deer resistant?

  • Princeton American Elms are not deer resistant and may be browsed by deer, especially when young. The trees are hardy in zones 4-9 and tolerate many conditions, but deer protection isn't one of their strengths. Consider fencing young trees or using deer repellent if deer pressure is high in your area.

What plants make good companions to plant near a Princeton American Elm?

  • Princeton American Elms pair well with shade-tolerant understory plants like hostas, ferns, and astilbe that thrive beneath their broad canopy. Since these elms are hardy in zones 4-9 and tolerate urban conditions, consider planting spring bulbs like daffodils or crocuses for early color before the tree leafs out.

What ongoing care and maintenance does a Princeton American Elm require after the first year?

  • Princeton American Elms are remarkably low-maintenance once established, requiring only occasional watering during dry spells and annual pruning in late winter. These hardy trees tolerate urban conditions and pollution exceptionally well across zones 4-9. Remove any dead or crossing branches and water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.

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