Softwoods
A forest is a carbon bank, every tree a deposit.
Elm trees are believed to have originated in Asia several million years ago as the planet transitioned from a hot, tropical climate to cooler, temperate zones. As elm trees spread globally, they adapted to diverse growing conditions, resulting in the development of numerous cultivars. Some elm forests became truly magnificent, with trees reaching heights of over 200 feet. Historical records show that certain American elms in Ohio measured up to 20 feet across.
Below are some notable elm cultivars:
The American Elm once thrived as both a timber and landscape tree, widely planted along the streets of New England towns and cities. However, the outbreak of Dutch Elm Disease in the 20th century devastated elm populations across the Great Lakes states and provinces. Introduced by a beetle through the St. Lawrence, the disease wiped out nearly every American elm in Eastern North America within two decades.
As a landscape tree, the American Elm provided ample summer shade with its broad canopy. Its majestic form made it a popular subject in historical paintings, often depicted with ivy climbing its towering trunks. Old-growth American elms were highly valued for their straight, branch-free trunks, producing premium clear wood timber. Field elms, often grown in open spaces, provided dense wood ideal for firewood, burning efficiently through the night with a high BTU rating.
In response to the blight, tree breeders have developed disease-resistant elm varieties suitable for landscaping and potential commercial timber use. Below are some examples of disease-resistant American Elm cultivars:
Thanks to advancements in tree breeding, disease-resistant elm varieties were introduced in the 1980s. Today, there is a dedicated effort to restore elm trees as a valuable commercial timber resource.
High-density planting techniques encourage elm trees to grow tall, reducing their natural tendency to spread laterally. Limiting branch spread promotes the development of clear trunk wood, which is the most valuable timber grade. Utilizing a looping spiral planting design can further enhance growth by boosting nutrient absorption through the root systems of each tree. Additionally, the spiral's unique energy dynamics may help protect against a potential recurrence of Dutch Elm Disease.
By year 10, a seedling nursery can be established beneath the plantation canopy. These young seedlings will grow straight and branch-free as they compete for filtered light that penetrates the mature canopy above.
The map below illustrates the North American growing zones suitable for American elm cultivation.
In today’s environmentally conscious world, elm wood stands out as a sustainable and natural alternative for numerous applications. Its ability to be used in-ground without requiring harmful chemical preservatives makes it an ideal material for eco-friendly wood products. Elm’s versatility opens doors for various uses, such as fence posts, structural beams, docks, wharves, deck supports, telephone poles, signposts, water tanks (like the iconic rooftop tanks in New York), and boats.
Elm wood is valued for its dense, durable, and visually appealing properties. Below are its key characteristics:
The English Elm (Ulmus procera) is a majestic deciduous tree native to Europe and western Asia, renowned for its towering height, elegant arching branches, and iconic fan-shaped canopy. While native to Europe, it has been widely cultivated and naturalized in parts of North America.
Mature English Elms can grow up to 100 feet tall, with a canopy spanning 50 to 60 feet, often displaying a vase-like structure. Its rugged, grayish-brown bark is deeply furrowed, while the dark green, serrated oval leaves turn a stunning golden yellow in autumn, adding seasonal charm.
A defining trait of the English Elm is its remarkable ability to regenerate from roots, even after being felled. This resilience makes it a popular choice for hedgerows, windbreaks, and erosion control, particularly in agricultural landscapes.
The wood of the English Elm is celebrated for its beautiful grain, strength, and resistance to splitting. Historically, it has been used in crafting furniture, flooring, and boats. Before the industrial revolution, its durability made it the material of choice for machine components like axles, gears, and pulleys. Its natural resistance to water led to its use in water pipes, river craft hulls, and even canal systems, where elm wood has proven its longevity over centuries.
Despite its strengths, the English Elm has faced dramatic population declines due to Dutch elm disease, which decimated elms across Europe and North America. In response, ongoing breeding efforts aim to develop disease-resistant cultivars, ensuring the species' survival and continued utility.
Today, English Elm remains highly valued for its durability and exceptional finish, making it a preferred choice for premium furniture and flooring. Its water-resistant properties, comparable to those of Black Locust and Western Red Cedar, further highlight its historic and contemporary appeal.
The Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) is a versatile and resilient deciduous tree native to China, Korea, and Japan. Renowned for its elegant, arching branches, small serrated leaves, and distinctive exfoliating bark, this tree is a favorite for landscaping worldwide.
Chinese Elm trees can reach heights of up to 60 feet, with a canopy spread of 50 to 70 feet, forming a vase-like shape. Its bark is uniquely mottled and exfoliates in patches, revealing colors that range from tan to gray-green. The tree’s small, oval leaves with serrated edges contribute to its delicate appearance. As a semi-evergreen species, the Chinese Elm may retain some foliage during mild winters, adding year-round visual appeal.
One of the standout attributes of the Chinese Elm is its adaptability to diverse soil types and environmental conditions. Its natural resistance to Dutch elm disease and other ailments that have devastated other elm species makes it an excellent choice for urban landscapes. Frequently planted as a street or shade tree, it thrives in cities where other trees might struggle.
Chinese Elm wood is dense, hard, and valued for its straight grain and fine texture. It is exceptionally durable and resistant to splitting, making it ideal for applications such as furniture, flooring, and carving. Additionally, woodturners prize Chinese Elm for crafting decorative items like bowls and vases due to its beautiful finish and workability.
Firewood elm, as the name suggests, is a known as the “firewood tree” in Japan where it originates. This Japanese elm grows profusely in the United States and if they were grown in large numbers could be the major tree supply for high BTU fuel sources like cord wood and wood pellets. Firewood elm adapts to most soils including low lying wetlands so it would be an excellent tree choice to reclaim marginal land. Curing this wood for one and a half seasons (beginning of summer year 1 to end of summer year 2) will significantly increase its heat quotient value.
From maple to oak, hardwoods whisper of centuries past, their slow growth a testament to patience and value over time.
Partner with us in a land management project to repurpose agricultural lands into appreciating tree assets. We have partnered with growingtogive.org, a 501c3 nonprofit, to create tree planting partnerships with land donors.
We have partnered with growingtogive.org, a Washington State nonprofit to create a land and tree partnership program that repurposes agricultural land into appreciating tree assets.
The program utilizes privately owned land to plant trees that would benefit both the landowner and the environment.
If you have 100 acres or more of flat, fallow farmland and would like to plant trees, then we would like to talk to you. There are no costs to enter the program. You own the land; you own the trees we plant for free and there are no restrictions; you can sell or transfer the land with the trees anytime.
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