Minneapolis landscape designer Bob Harvey is on a mission to "re-elm" the Twin Cities, and eventually America, starting this Arbor Day with the introduction of two new breeds of American Elms that are resistant to Dutch Elm disease.
In the 1960s and 70s, hundreds of millions of elms nationwide were lost to Dutch Elm disease, including more than 200,000 elm trees in the Twin Cities alone. Harvey's company, Edelweiss Design, has been the main Minnesota supplier of Princeton and Valley Forge elms, which are resistant to the disease.
Elms, often called "America's Tree," do well in cities because they grow fast, can survive subzero winters, scorching heat, air pollution, soil compaction, road salt, chemicals and physical damage -- all the while turning ordinary streets into places of beauty with their shade-inspiring canopies.
"It was devastating in the '60s and '70s to see the elm tree more or less disappear from our hometown streets all across America," Harvey said. "Now with these new disease-resistant strains, the American Elm can once again resume its prominent place as a wonderful and majestic tree in our American landscape."
Because of the elm's propensity for offering shade, Harvey is also encouraging city planners to add them back into the urban forest.
"It's really important for the well-being of our city environments, streetscapes and parks that they contain a variety of trees, and that cooling and shade are considered when planting," Harvey said. "With these elms, we can help offset the heat island effect, while no longer having to worry about the barren boulevards many cities experience when a disease surfaces."
With Arbor Day approaching on Friday, April 27, Harvey offers these tips for planting an elm or any other tree:
- Determine the tree's purpose. For instance, do you want color in the fall and spring, the natural air conditioning of shade, shelter for wildlife, or a source of oxygen and air purification?
- Check the conditions of the planting area -- location of utilities, amount of sun and ground moisture are all important factors to consider when planting a tree.
- Make sure you know how to install the tree. Seek professional planting advice if you're unsure.
- Develop a maintenance plan for the tree. Know when and if to fertilize, mulch, stake, water, prune, etc.
Arbor Day, April 27, will also mark the grand opening of Green with Envy, Edelweiss Design's new retail shop, which will feature the new Dutch Elm-resistant Princeton and Valley Forge elms, as well as annual flats and baskets and garden accessories. Green with Envy is located at 66th and Chicago Avenues in Richfield and will be open Monday through Saturday 9am to 8pm, and Sundays 9am to 6pm.
For more information, visit http://www.elmamerica.com or call 612/926-7500.