The English Elm provides a historical link with Europe and is an integral part of the aging canopy tree population of Melbourne. The loss of these aging specimens as they enter decline spirals will change the look of the older streets and parks of Melbourne. People love this species and will mourn their loss; and unless we proactively keep this tree at the forefront of people’s minds when making decisions in regards to appropriate species selection for the replacement plantings that will inevitably be required in the near future; the famous Elms of Melbourne may all but disappear.

What do I like about English Elms?

I love the stately nature of maturing specimens; the large broad green canopies that provide excellent summer shade; and the intricate silhouette of branches throughout late autumn and winter.
I love that shade of iridescent green exhibited by the new flushes of growth in spring and the yellow glow of the leaves at the peak of their autumn brilliance.

Case for a prize for English Elm

Victoria has some of the finest examples of English Elm in the world.
The high quality of English Elms in Victoria is predominantly due to the lack of Dutch elm disease, which has impacted the European populations.