American Princeton Elm

Fast-growing and long-lived
Tolerant of pollution and urban conditions
Provides dense, cooling shade

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#15 Container

$223.00

5 in stock

3-4″ Caliper

$498.00

5 in stock

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Starting at $223.00

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We guarantee that your plants and trees will arrive happy and healthy. If you’re not satisfied after receiving your trees and plants, we’ll replace them at no cost to you. Trees and plants are living organisms and require care, maintenance, and protection to survive, root in, and establish properly. Trees that do not survive despite receiving the proper care, maintenance, and protection within the first year will be considered for a one-time replacement. If you purchased plants outside of your growing zone recommendation, or have not properly cared for your new plants as described in your welcome letter, your purchase won’t be covered by our Grasshopper guarantee.
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Grasshopper Gardens offers free home delivery to customers in our local service areas. Experience the convenience of having your plants delivered straight to your home, free of charge, saving you time and effort.

Our local delivery area reaches as far north as Schroon Lake, south to Voorheesville, Glenmont, and East Greenbush areas, parts of Fulton and Montgomery counties, much of Washington County, and all areas in between. If you have questions on local delivery, give us a call at

518-793-9623.
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American Princeton Elm

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

American Princeton Elm

The American Princeton Elm (Ulmus americana ‘Princeton’) is one of the most celebrated shade trees in North America—valued for its elegant vase-shaped form, rapid growth, and improved resistance to Dutch elm disease. If you’re looking for a hardy, long-lived landscape tree, this cultivar is an excellent choice for homeowners, cities, and landscapers alike.

What Is the American Princeton Elm?

The Princeton Elm is a cultivar of the native American Elm, originally selected in 1922 by Princeton Nurseries in New Jersey. It gained fame because it showed strong resistance to Dutch elm disease (DED)—the devastating fungus that killed millions of elms across North America in the 20th century.

Key Features:

Botanical name: Ulmus americana ‘Princeton’
Common name: Princeton Elm
Tree type: Deciduous shade tree
Growth habit: Classic vase shape
Origin: United States

Growth & Size

The Princeton Elm is known for its vigorous growth and ability to form a stately, arching canopy.

Height: 60–80 feet
Spread: 40–70 feet
Growth rate: Fast (2–4 feet per year)
Lifespan: 100+ years with proper care

Its sweeping branches create a cathedral-like effect—perfect for lining streets or shading large lawns.

Leaves, Bark & Seasonal Interest

Spring & Summer:

Leaves are dark green, oval-shaped with serrated edges
Dense canopy provides excellent summer shade

Fall:

Foliage turns yellow to golden brown
Not as vibrant as maples, but still attractive

Winter:

Distinctive gray bark with furrows
Elegant branch structure adds winter interest

Ideal Growing Conditions

The American Princeton Elm is remarkably adaptable and tough.

Sunlight:

Full sun preferred (6+ hours daily)

Soil:

Thrives in loamy, well-drained soil
Tolerates clay, sand, and even wet conditions

Water:

Moderate water needs
Established trees tolerate occasional drought

USDA Hardiness Zones:

Zones 3–9

🌱 Planting Instructions

Follow these steps for optimal establishment:

Choose a location with full sun and plenty of space
Dig a hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball
Plant at the same depth as in the nursery container
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch (keep away from trunk)
Stake the tree if necessary during its first year

Watering:

Water deeply once a week during the first growing season
Reduce frequency once established

Planting & Care

1. Planting: This is a large landscape tree and as such, requires a bit of planning before planting. First, measure the area where you would like to plant your hedge or row. You will need the length of the area of planting to estimate the number of trees you need.

When planting, dig a hole for each tree that is three times as wide as the root ball but just as deep. Place the tree, fill in around the tree with the same soil you took out when initially digging the hole. Finally, tamp down as you fill to cut back on any air pockets from forming, water the tree, then mulch to conserve moisture.

2. Watering: For the first two weeks, water your new tree every other day by holding a hose around it and counting to 20. If you don’t have a hose, 2 large watering cans full of water will do (smaller trees may only need a light soaking so a single can may suffice).

Related Resources

FAQs

How fast does a Princeton Elm grow?
Princeton Elms are fast-growing trees, typically adding 2 to 4 feet per year under ideal conditions. This makes them an excellent choice for quickly establishing shade in large landscapes.
When should I prune my Princeton Elm?
The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Regular pruning helps maintain structure and removes weak or damaged branches.
Are Princeton Elms good for urban areas?
Yes! They are highly tolerant of pollution, compacted soil, and heat, making them one of the best urban street trees available today.
How long do Princeton Elm trees live?
With proper care, Princeton Elms can live 100 years or more, making them a long-term investment for landscapes.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Mature Height	Medium: Up to 30 ft
Mature Spread	20+ ft
Growth Rate	Fast
Botanical Name	Ulmus americana 'Princeton'
Bloom Time	Non Flowering
Deer Resistant	Usually
Family	Ulmaceae
Flower Color	Non Flowering
Hardiness Zones	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Needs	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low
Size	#15 Container, 3-4″ Caliper

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