{"product_id":"valley-forge-elm","title":"Valley Forge Elm","description":"\u003ch1\u003eThe American Elm Comeback Tree, Bred to Beat Dutch Elm Disease\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValley Forge Elm (\u003cem\u003eUlmus americana\u003c\/em\u003e 'Valley Forge') brings the iconic, arching American elm back to Twin Cities streets and yards. Released by the USDA after showing the strongest Dutch elm disease resistance of any American elm cultivar in trials, it's widely regarded as the gold standard for restoring this beloved native. It pairs the classic vase-shaped silhouette and vigorous, fast growth with remarkable disease tolerance, and it's hardy through USDA zone 4. Whether you're recreating a cathedral-canopy boulevard in St. Paul, planting a fast native shade tree in a Maple Grove yard, or replacing a lost ash in Bloomington, Valley Forge is the elm to plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eValley Forge 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 'Valley Forge'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eValley Forge Elm, American Elm, Valley Forge American 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\u003e45–55 feet — classic arching vase form\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFast — about 2–3 feet per year in Minnesota once established\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\u003e4–7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a)\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; arching, vase-shaped canopy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFall Color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYellow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDutch Elm Disease Resistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHighest of any American elm cultivar — USDA-selected as the benchmark for DED tolerance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWinter Hardiness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReliably hardy through USDA zone 4 — proven in Twin Cities winters\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\u003eValley Forge Elm Uses in Minnesota Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eClassic Vase-Shaped Shade Tree\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValley Forge recreates the high, arching canopy that made American elms the signature street tree of the Upper Midwest before Dutch elm disease. A single tree forms a broad, fountain-like vase that casts deep shade — a stately centerpiece for a larger Twin Cities yard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBoulevard and Cathedral-Canopy Streets\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlanted in rows, American elms arch over a street to form the cathedral canopy that defined classic Midwest neighborhoods. With its top-tier disease resistance, Valley Forge lets cities and homeowners bring that look back with far less risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFast Native Replacement Tree\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts quick growth and native status make Valley Forge an excellent replacement for ash trees lost to emerald ash borer, restoring a big, fast canopy while supporting local wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant Valley Forge 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 Valley Forge 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 — Valley Forge 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 Valley Forge 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 Valley Forge 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 Valley Forge Elm survive a Minnesota winter?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. It's a native American elm rated to USDA zone 4 and is reliably hardy in Twin Cities winters. 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 It's the benchmark. Valley Forge showed the strongest DED resistance of any American elm cultivar in USDA trials. No elm is fully immune, but this is the most resistant American elm available — a dramatic improvement over the old, vulnerable street elms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need pruning?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes, some early attention pays off. Valley Forge grows fast and can develop co-dominant leaders and tight branch angles, so structural pruning in the first several years builds the strong vase framework that holds up to Minnesota wind and wet snow.\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 before Dutch elm disease. Valley Forge restores that native with modern 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 Valley Forge 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\u003ePrinceton American Elm\u003c\/strong\u003e — another classic DED-resistant native American elm with a stately vase form.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNew Harmony Elm\u003c\/strong\u003e — a DED-tolerant American elm with a refined, uniform vase shape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAccolade Elm\u003c\/strong\u003e — a fast, glossy hybrid elm with excellent disease resistance.\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\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSwamp White Oak\u003c\/strong\u003e — a durable, clay- and moisture-tolerant native shade tree.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Valley Forge Elms Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValley Forge is a large specimen and boulevard tree, not a hedge plant. For a single lawn specimen, allow 35–45 feet of clearance from buildings and other large trees so the 45–55 ft vase can arch fully. For a cathedral-canopy street or driveway allee, space trees 40–50 feet on center — a 200-foot frontage takes 4–5 trees per side. Mixing in Princeton or New Harmony elms adds genetic diversity, smart insurance for any elm planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eValley Forge Elm Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small reddish flower clusters appear before the leaves, followed by papery samaras and a fast flush of toothed green foliage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e The arching vase canopy casts deep, cooling shade — growing 2–3 feet a year toward that classic elm silhouette.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Foliage turns a clear yellow before dropping cleanly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e The high, fountain-like branch architecture is unmistakable against the snow — the silhouette that defined Midwest streets for a century.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Minnesota Native   ✔ Rain-Garden \/ Wet-Soil\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/princeton-american-elm\"\u003ePrinceton American Elm\u003c\/a\u003e — a second DED-resistant American elm to diversify a boulevard row.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/new-harmony-elm\"\u003eNew Harmony Elm\u003c\/a\u003e — a refined, uniform vase for formal street plantings alongside Valley Forge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/redmond-linden\"\u003eRedmond Linden\u003c\/a\u003e — a fragrant, pollinator-friendly native shade tree for canopy variety.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/swamp-white-oak\"\u003eSwamp White Oak\u003c\/a\u003e — a long-lived native that thrives in the same clay and moist ground.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Valley Forge Elm Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose Valley Forge if you have full sun and room for a 60–70 ft tree, want fast native shade — especially replacing a lost ash — and can commit to structural pruning in the first few years. It handles clay, wet ground, and urban conditions with ease. It's not a fit for small lots or under power lines: this is a genuinely big tree, and its fast, vigorous growth needs space and early training to build a storm-strong frame.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"2\"BB","offer_id":54260804059441,"sku":"GT-T4470","price":384.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2.5\"BB","offer_id":54260804092209,"sku":"GT-T4471","price":439.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/valley-forge-elm.jpg?v=1779426696","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/valley-forge-elm","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}