American: Valley Forge Elm
Ulmus americana
American: Valley Forge Elm (Ulmus americana) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 50–70 ft tall and 40–60 ft wide, fast-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Scale.
low to medium water50–70 ft tall and 40–60 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Ulmus americana
- Variety / cultivar
- American: Valley Forge, New Harmony, Princeton
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 50–70 ft tall and 40–60 ft wide
- Mature form
- Vase-shaped
- Spacing / clearance
- ~60 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 2–9
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Fall color
- Yellow
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- low
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Insects & DiseasesMain pressure here is Dutch elm disease, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Dutch elm disease (esp. American elm)
- Elm leaf beetle and European elm scale
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is American: Valley Forge Elm good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, American: Valley Forge Elm is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does American: Valley Forge Elm get?
- It matures to about 50–70 ft tall and 40–60 ft wide.
- How much room does American: Valley Forge Elm need?
- Give American: Valley Forge Elm about 60 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does American: Valley Forge Elm grow into?
- American: Valley Forge Elm typically grows into a vase shape, a narrower base flaring to a high, arching crown that lifts over a patio or street. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is American: Valley Forge Elm hardy on the Front Range?
- American: Valley Forge Elm is hardy in USDA 2–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does American: Valley Forge Elm need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does American: Valley Forge Elm grow?
- American: Valley Forge Elm is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does American: Valley Forge Elm live?
- American: Valley Forge Elm has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does American: Valley Forge Elm turn in fall?
- American: Valley Forge Elm turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is American: Valley Forge Elm native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is American: Valley Forge Elm deer-resistant?
- American: Valley Forge Elm is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is American: Valley Forge Elm prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- American: Valley Forge Elm can be affected by dutch elm disease (esp. American elm) and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
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See also
Related trees
Elm, David, GREENSTONE®, CHOICECITY®
Ulmus davidiana
Elm, ACCOLADE® ('Morton')
Ulmus davidiana var. japonica
Elm, NORTHERN EMPRESS®
Ulmus davidiana var. japonica
Elm, 'Prospector'
Ulmus davidiana var. japonica
Elm, 'New Horizon'
Ulmus japonica x U. pumila 'New Horizon'
Elm, 'Frontier'
Ulmus minor x U. parvifolia