{"product_id":"princeton-american-elm","title":"Princeton American Elm","description":"\u003ch1\u003eThe Original Disease-Resistant American Elm, Restored to Minnesota Yards\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrinceton American Elm (\u003cem\u003eUlmus americana\u003c\/em\u003e 'Princeton') brings the magnificent, arching elm silhouette back to Twin Cities landscapes — without the Dutch elm disease that wiped out the native population a generation ago. Selected all the way back in 1922 from a single naturally resistant tree, Princeton is one of the most reliable and time-proven DED-resistant American elms available. It grows fast into a tall, graceful vase, finishes in rich yellow, and is hardy throughout the metro to USDA zone 3. Whether you're recreating a cathedral-canopy boulevard in St. Paul, planting a stately native shade tree in a Maple Grove yard, or replacing a lost ash in Bloomington, Princeton is a classic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePrinceton American Elm Plant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttribute\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetail\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eUlmus americana\u003c\/em\u003e 'Princeton'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrinceton American Elm, American Elm, Princeton Elm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60–70 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature Width\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e35–45 feet — tall, arching vase form\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFast — about 3–6 feet per year when young\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSun\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun (6+ hrs); tolerates light shade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate. Tolerates a wide range of soils and handles wet sites; prefers consistent moisture while establishing.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–9 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) — hardy throughout the metro\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHighly adaptable. Tolerates Minnesota clay-loam, wet ground, and urban soils; prefers deep, well-drained loam.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFoliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeciduous — classic toothed elm leaves; tall, arching vase canopy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFall Color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRich yellow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDutch Elm Disease Resistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh — a proven cultivar selected for DED tolerance in 1922\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWinter Hardiness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReliable to USDA zone 3 — proven throughout the Twin Cities metro\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerately deer-resistant; protect the trunk from buck rub the first 2 winters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNative Status\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmerican elm (\u003cem\u003eUlmus americana\u003c\/em\u003e) is native to Minnesota and eastern North America\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePrinceton American Elm Uses in Minnesota Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eClassic Vase-Shaped Shade Tree\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrinceton recreates the high, arching canopy that made American elms the signature street tree of the Upper Midwest. A single tree forms a tall, graceful vase that casts deep shade — a distinguished, fast-growing centerpiece for a larger Twin Cities yard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBoulevard and Cathedral-Canopy Streets\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a century-long track record of disease resistance, Princeton is one of the most trusted boulevard elms, arching over a street to recreate the cathedral canopy that Dutch elm disease nearly erased.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFast Native Replacement Tree\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts quick growth and native status make Princeton a strong replacement for ash trees lost to emerald ash borer, restoring a big native canopy while supporting local wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant Princeton American Elm in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant in \u003cstrong\u003espring (late April–May, after the ground thaws)\u003c\/strong\u003e for a full growing season of root establishment, or in \u003cstrong\u003eearly fall (late August–early October)\u003c\/strong\u003e while the soil is still warm. Get it in the ground at least six weeks before the ground freezes — typically mid-November in the Twin Cities. Avoid mid-summer planting in heat and humidity, and never plant after mid-October or before spring thaw.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant Princeton American Elm\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDig wide, not deep — 2–3x the root ball width but only as deep as the ball is tall, so the root flare sits at or slightly above grade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck drainage — Princeton tolerates wet soil, but if water pools and never drains, break through any clay hardpan or mound-plant slightly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackfill with the native soil mixed with 20–30% compost; don't build a pure-compost \"container\" the roots won't grow beyond.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpacing — give a single specimen 35–45 feet of clearance from buildings and other large trees; space a boulevard row 40–50 feet apart for an arching canopy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuild a 3–4 inch watering ring to direct water to the roots, then flatten it before winter so it doesn't trap ice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulch with 2–3 inches of shredded bark or wood chips in a wide ring, kept 2 inches off the trunk. Never use gravel mulch in Minnesota — it doesn't insulate roots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering Princeton American Elm in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFirst Year Watering Schedule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeeks 1–2: water deeply and slowly every 1–2 days. Month 1–2: every 3–4 days. Month 3–6: every 5–7 days during active growth, easing off when rainfall is adequate (the Twin Cities average about 3 inches a month from June through August). \u003cstrong\u003eStop watering 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes\u003c\/strong\u003e — usually late October — so the tree doesn't push tender growth heading into winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Year One\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn established Princeton largely cares for itself, needing supplemental water mainly during extended droughts (two-plus weeks with no rain and temps above 80°F). Soak deeply to 8–12 inches every 7–14 days during dry spells and let natural rainfall do the rest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill Princeton American Elm survive a Minnesota winter?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — easily. It's a native American elm rated to USDA zone 3 and is hardy throughout the Twin Cities metro. Wrap the young trunk the first winter to prevent sunscald and buck rub.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it resistant to Dutch elm disease?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — high resistance with a long track record. Princeton was selected for DED tolerance in 1922 and is one of the most proven resistant American elms available. As with all elms it's strong tolerance rather than total immunity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does it grow here?\u003c\/strong\u003e Fast when young — about 3–6 feet per year — making it one of the quickest large shade trees to establish a real canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it native to Minnesota?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. American elm (\u003cem\u003eUlmus americana\u003c\/em\u003e) is native to Minnesota and was once the dominant street tree across the region. Princeton restores that native with proven disease resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it handle clay and wet soil?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — very well. American elms naturally grow in floodplains and bottomlands, so Princeton tolerates heavy clay-loam and wet, low-lying ground better than most large shade trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eValley Forge Elm\u003c\/strong\u003e — the most DED-resistant native American elm, with a classic arching vase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNew Harmony Elm\u003c\/strong\u003e — a USDA-selected American elm with a refined, symmetrical vase form.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJefferson Elm\u003c\/strong\u003e — a National Mall survivor American elm with a graceful vase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSt. Croix Elm\u003c\/strong\u003e — a Minnesota-discovered survivor American elm with a grand vase form.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRedmond Linden\u003c\/strong\u003e — a large native shade tree with fragrant pollinator bloom.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Princeton American Elm Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne Princeton is a landmark — give it 35–45 feet of clearance and it will own the yard. For the classic cathedral-canopy street or driveway, space trees 40–50 feet apart on center (2 per 100 feet); within 15–20 years the vases arch together overhead. On larger properties, mixing Princeton with Valley Forge or St. Croix in the same row adds genetic diversity to the planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePrinceton American Elm Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small reddish flowers fringe the bare branches in early spring, followed by papery samaras and a vigorous flush of toothed green leaves — young trees can leap 3–6 feet this season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e The tall, arching vase casts a high, wide pool of shade you can garden and lounge beneath — the canopy starts well overhead, so the lawn stays usable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich yellow fall color across the big canopy, dropping small leaves that mulch easily into the lawn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e The iconic wineglass silhouette — tall trunk, arching limbs, fine twigs — is the most recognizable winter form of any American shade tree.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Minnesota Native   ✔ Deer-Resistant   ✔ Rain-Garden \/ Wet-Soil   ✔ Pollinator-Friendly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/valley-forge-elm\"\u003eValley Forge Elm\u003c\/a\u003e — the most DED-resistant elm; mix cultivars in a row for resilience.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/new-harmony-elm\"\u003eNew Harmony Elm\u003c\/a\u003e — a refined, symmetrical vase for a matched allee.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/jefferson-elm\"\u003eJefferson Elm\u003c\/a\u003e — the National Mall survivor with a gracefully broad habit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/st-croix-elm\"\u003eSt. Croix Elm\u003c\/a\u003e — Minnesota's own DED-survivor elm for local provenance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Princeton American Elm Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose it if you have a big lawn, boulevard, or open lot in full sun and want the fastest route to a grand native canopy — it handles clay, wet ground, and zone 3 cold with a century of proof behind its disease resistance. It's not a fit for small yards or under wires: a 60–70 foot tree with a 35–45 foot crown needs serious room, and annual elm-bark-beetle hygiene (prompt removal of dead wood) is still smart practice.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"1.75\"BB","offer_id":54260798980401,"sku":"GT-T4379","price":370.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2\"BB","offer_id":54260799013169,"sku":"GT-T4380","price":397.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.5\"BB","offer_id":54260799045937,"sku":"GT-T4381","price":452.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3\"BB","offer_id":54260799078705,"sku":"GT-T4382","price":480.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/princeton-american-elm.jpg?v=1779426700","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/princeton-american-elm","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}