Princeton American Elm Tree

Ulmus americana 'Princeton'

Also known as: Common Elm, White Elm, Water Elm

Fast-growing shade tree reaching up to 70 feet

Resistant to Dutch elm disease

Tolerates urban conditions and various soils



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Improved Variety of a Classic, Nostalgic Tree

Streets and neighborhoods all over America used to be lined with the comforting shade of the American Elm…but then disease wiped out the population.

Now you can bring back the feeling of turn of the century America by planting the Princeton Elm in your yard.

There’s so much to love about this tree…

Disease resistant – more resistant to the diseases and pests that plague other elms, you can relax knowing you’re planting a tree that’s going to stay healthy.

No maintenance – forget constant pruning, spraying, watering and fertilizing… this native tree loves to grow

Extremely tolerant – from wind and salt to wet and dry conditions, there’s not much that can wear this hardy, sturdy tree down.

This shade tree grows to 50-70 feet with a canopy of 30-50 feet

Plant near your home to provide cost-cutting shade, or plant in a wide open space to create the perfect summer picnic spot.

The summery green leaves turn a bright yellow in fall adding ornamental value to your autumn landscape.

Growing 3-6 feet each year once established, you’ll have a classic American shade tree in your yard in no time at all.

Plant your Princeton Elm this year. Order yours today!

Planting & Care


The Princeton Elm is easy to plant in your yard. Because of its tolerance to soil conditions, you can plant this tree anywhere you like. Plant in full sun or partial shade where it will receive at least 4 hours of sun each day. Adding mulch to the base of your tree will help keep the moisture in and prevent weeds and grass competition. You don't need to add anything to your soil when planting.


Watering: This tree can tolerate wet or dry conditions. Be sure to water the tree weekly in its young life to ensure proper growth. If it rains, you don't need to water your Princeton Elm at all. After a couple years, you only need to water the tree during very dry spells.


Pruning: You don't need to prune the Princeton Elm, but it can be helpful to remove dead bark and branches in the fall.

Full Planting & Care Instructions

Product Details

Mature Height:50-70 ft.
Mature Width:30-50 ft.
Sunlight:Full Sun
Growth Rate:Fast Growing
Botanical Name:Ulmus americana 'Princeton'
Does Not Ship To:AK, AZ, HI
Grows Well In Zones:3-9 outdoors
grow zone map

Growing Zones: 3-9 outdoors

(hardy down to -30℉)

Customer Reviews & Photos

4.9

Based on 85 reviews

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31
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Nancy N.
6/24/2026
Verified Buyer

Elms are thriving

I purchased 2 elms last fall and they survived a harsh winter and appear to be thriving

Fast Growing Trees Plant ExpertHi Nancy, surviving a harsh winter and coming out thriving is such a testament to how tough and resilient Princeton American Elms are! It sounds like yours found a wonderful home and we hope they keep growing beautifully and become truly magnificent trees for years to come!
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Matthew M.
6/23/2026
Verified Buyer

The tree was very healthy and in great condition when it arrived. This was a great deal for a fantastic tree. We at the DeSoto County Sons of The American Revolution have planted it as a 250th Anniversary Liberty Tree.

Great!

Fast Growing Trees Plant ExpertWhat an extraordinary purpose for a Princeton American Elm Matthew! We hope it stands tall and thrives for generations to come!
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John L.
6/10/2026
Verified Buyer

Very good so far.

Very good.

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Nancy H.
6/9/2026
Verified Buyer

American Elm Tree

The Elm tree arrived well-packaged and on time. the leaves were a little wilted upon arrival, and I wont be able to get it into the ground for a few more days due to a landscape project underway where it will reside. But I placed it in a larger pot with more soil, and keeping it watered. It perked up in a few days, and looks good!

Fast Growing Trees Plant ExpertHi Nancy, a little wilting after the journey is completely normal and it sounds like you handled it perfectly! Getting it into a larger pot and keeping it watered while your landscape project wraps up was a great call. So glad it perked up and is looking good!
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Amber L.
6/9/2026
Verified Buyer

Just get the tree!

This was our first time purchasing trees online. I was a little skeptical of the shape that the tree would arrive in, but I was so impressed after the delivery. It shipped within a few days of ordering, and was secured really nicely upon opening it. We planted our Elm tree immediately and it's doing so good. I'm excited to continue ordering more for our yard.

Fast Growing Trees Plant ExpertTaking that first leap into ordering trees online can feel like a big step, so we’re thrilled everything arrived in great shape. Amber, it’s great to hear your Elm tree is doing well, and we appreciate the opportunity to be part of your landscaping plans.
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