Elm Tree stories

[RoyDMercer]

When I was a kid, my grandfather built a treehouse for me in an old elm tree (American Elm). Many hours of my youth were spent in that beautiful old tree. Years later the tree was overtaken by Dutch elm disease.

I've planted three elm trees in my yard (two lacebarks and one cedar elm), but after checking around my neighborhood of about 300 homes, I can't find a single elm tree anywhere. My neighborhood is only 3-6 years old. I see them used quite often in the commercial environment, but in newer residential neighborhoods they are extremely hard to find.

It seems many people don't understand the great attributes these trees have as shade trees. Are there any of you out there who have come to this same conclusion? Does anyone have any elm tree stories (good or bad)?

[Steveo]

Dutch elm disease was first found in the United States in Ohio in 1930. It has now spread throughout North America and has destroyed over half the elm trees in the northern United Sates. The disease has been reported in all states except the desert Southwest.

[RoyDMercer]

people shy away from all varieties of elm, because they are afraid of Dutch elm disease. However the varieties sold today are highly resistant to Dutch elm disease and it's very unlikely anyone would have a problem with it. The American elm was the variety which was devastated by the disease. American elm trees have disappeared from the tree selling market.