white elm

White elm, also called American elm is the largest of the elms, growing up to 35 meters high. White elm can live up to 200 years. Unfortunately the Dutch elm disease, a fungus that kills elm trees, has decimated much of the elm population. The disease was introduced by bark beetles in the late 1920's. In Fredericton it is still quite common to see white elm - the city of Fredericton has an aggressive program to combat the dutch elm disease - once an infected tree is reported it is removed and destroyed to prevent the infection of other trees. Though the elm population has severely declined, in years past elm was used for many things including the hubs of heavy wagons and boxes and crates. It was also employed in the making of ships, agricultural tools, sporting goods and heavy-duty flooring. In addition, elm was frequently used for barrel staves and hoop poles.