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AMERICAN ELM (Ulmus americana)
SLIPPERY ELM (Ulmus rubra}
ROCK ELM (Ulmus thomasii)
Other names: white elm, soft elm, water elm, gray elm
red elm, cork elm, elm.

GOOD TO VERY GOOD

The elms are trees of the Great Lakes region and eastern half of the adjacent states. They are medium to rapid growing trees, favor bottom lands, grow to 3 ft. or more in diameter and have a life expectancy of 150 to 300 years if not logged or killed by Dutch elm disease. Elms usually grow from seed but are known to grow up from root suckers of a dead or logged tree. These trees will completely heal an injury but a noticeable scar usually remains in the rough bark. Once cut or dead and fallen the wood decays quickly, both heart and sapwood. In low land conditions the growth rings are usually wide-spaced, curl and break off. The wood immediately under the bark is dark while the inner core is lighter in color. 

There are no reports of recovered original elm bearing trees. They were used extensively by the original surveyors. 

If an elm is used for a bearing tree, blaze through the bark just deep enough for a smooth face. Take care not to separate the bark from the cambium layer. Smoothly drain with an upward axe stroke to prevent accumulation of the watery sap. Keep the bottom of the blaze high enough to prevent coverage by high water in swampy areas. Paint the blaze thoroughly.