American Valley Forge Elm

Classic Vase Canopy
Large Shade Tree
Yellow Fall Color

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3-4″ Caliper

$623.00

19 in stock

Size

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$623.00

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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 Valley Forge 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 Valley Forge Elm

American Valley Forge Elm is a large deciduous shade tree with the graceful, vase-shaped canopy that made American elms famous. Its arching branches, green summer foliage, and yellow fall color make it an excellent choice for spacious lawns, parks, streetscapes, and open landscape areas.

Why choose American Valley Forge Elm?

Choose American Valley Forge Elm for a refined shade tree with classic American elm character and strong ornamental presence. This selection offers a broad, high-arching canopy that creates welcome summer shade while preserving an elegant upright form. Its adaptable nature makes it useful for large residential properties, public landscapes, and tree lawns where long-term structure matters. With green foliage through summer and soft yellow fall color, it brings seasonal appeal without feeling overly formal.

Key Characteristics

Botanical Name: Ulmus americana ‘Valley Forge’
Common Name: American Valley Forge Elm
Plant Type: Deciduous tree
Growth Habit: Upright, vase-shaped shade tree with arching branches

American Valley Forge Elm Additional Information

American Valley Forge Elm is a cultivar of the native American elm, known for its tall trunk, spreading upper canopy, and graceful branching pattern. Small, inconspicuous flowers appear in late winter to early spring, followed by papery winged seeds called samaras. The main ornamental value comes from its broad shade canopy, textured green leaves, and traditional elm silhouette.

This tree is best suited to roomy sites where its mature canopy can develop naturally. It works well as a lawn specimen, park tree, large street tree, or shade tree for expansive landscapes. The foliage is medium to dark green in summer and typically turns yellow in fall before dropping. Young trees benefit from careful structural pruning to encourage a strong central framework and well-spaced branches. Plant with room for both the canopy and roots to mature away from tight hardscape areas.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant American Valley Forge Elm in full sun with enough open space for its mature height, spread, and root system. Set the root flare at or slightly above grade, backfill with native soil, and water thoroughly after planting.

2. Watering: Water deeply and consistently during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Once established, provide supplemental water during extended dry periods, especially in hot, exposed, or fast-draining sites.

3. Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone to conserve moisture, reduce turf competition, and protect soil temperature. Keep mulch pulled back from the trunk.

4. Pruning: Prune young trees during dormancy to develop strong branch spacing and a balanced vase-shaped framework. Remove crossing, damaged, or poorly attached limbs as the tree matures.

Related Resources

FAQs

How large does American Valley Forge Elm get?
American Valley Forge Elm can mature into a large shade tree, often reaching about 60 to 80 feet tall with a broad canopy when grown in open landscape conditions.
Where should I plant American Valley Forge Elm?
Plant it in a spacious, sunny location where the canopy can spread freely. It is best for large lawns, parks, streetscapes, and open areas away from buildings, tight sidewalks, and overhead wires.
What shape does American Valley Forge Elm have?
It develops the classic American elm form, with an upright trunk and a broad, arching, vase-shaped canopy. This makes it especially attractive as a long-term shade and specimen tree.
What color is American Valley Forge Elm in fall?
The green summer foliage usually turns yellow in fall, adding a soft seasonal display before the tree drops its leaves for winter.

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

Tall Growth
Full Sun
Plant Spacing

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

Map of the United States with most states shaded green and boundary lines visible.

Growing Zones 4-9 Outdoors

(Hardy down to -30)

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Maintenance	Low	Low	Low	Medium	Low	Medium