Preserving the American Elm in Westmont, Pa.
One hundred years ago, many streets throughout western Pennsylvania were lined with beautiful, vase-shaped shade trees that were resistant to road salt, poor soil, and air pollution. These trees had strong wood that was used for farm implements and wagon wheels. But today these hearty, useful trees have all but vanished from our streets and countryside.
The American Elm (Ulmus americana) is native to the entire eastern and central portions of the United States. It can reach heights of 100 feet, and can live up to 200 years. Despite its tolerance for less-than-ideal growing conditions, the American Elm is vulnerable to Dutch Elm Disease. This disease, brought to the United States in the 1930's from Europe, is a fungus that chokes off nutrients moving through the tree's vascular system up from the roots. By 1970, more than 77 million elm trees had perished.
Despite the widespread loss of the American Elm, efforts are underway in western Pennsylvania to preserve this stately tree. The Borough of Westmont, located near Johnstown, Pa. in Cambria County, maintains the longest municipally-owned stand of American Elm trees east of the Mississippi River. Stretching nearly 3,200 feet along Luzerne Street, Westmont's elms create the “cathedral-arch” effect unique to American Elms.
Westmont Borough keeps their American Elms healthy through an aggressive maintenance program. The trees are fed on a regular basis; deadwood is removed regularly; spraying is conducted four times a year; and any storm damage is repaired immediately. Strong and healthy elms are less likely to succumb to Dutch Elm Disease.
An elm-lined boulevard is an impressive site. Visit Westmont, PA to experience the cathedral of elm branches once common throughout the cities and towns of Western Pennsylvania. More information about Westmont's American Elms can be found at the Johnstown Convention and Visitors Bureau website.
Today's photos are (bottom right) Luzerne Street in Westmont taken by Westmont resident Ray Clites; (left) the former "champion" American Elm-- the largest American Elm in the U.S., located in Michigan -- it died from Dutch Elm Disease in 2002. Photo by by Champion Tree Project International, www.championtreeproject.org; (upper right) elm leaves and elm bark, courtesy of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
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