PlantFiles: American Elm, White Elm
Ulmus americana 'Valley Forge'

I am concerned over the extreme vigor of this lovely tree. I had spoken many times with Mike Shade, the owner of The Botany Shop, and he had me topping and then eventually lopping the entire tree down, due to a loss of the main leader, and then to avoid top heavy growth at the expense of trunk circumference.

My lopping was the final straw for these beauties, sad to report.
Mike just sent me two new Valley Forges to regrow, the central
leader looks fine. I will call him and determine if he would want me
to continue to top the leader after about a months growth.

I do plan on triple staking these beauties, as it is July here and not too much time left in our growing zone.

I have much hope for these two shining stars. I know my DH and I won't be around to see them tower and bestow magnificent shade and cathedral effects to our farm, but our wish is for the continuance and regrowth of a gorgeous and majestic tree, to be enjoyed by future generations here on the farm, and the neighborhood.