The Grey Elm Tree Vs. Dutch Elm Disease: A Brief History

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=James_Bryant_Yoder]James Bryant Yoder
Found primarily in the Eastern United States and Canada, the Grey Elm tree (also known as the American Elm) is noted for its medium density, good workability and interlocking grain. According to "Elm Care" website, "The 7,700,000 elm trees in urban centers in North America have a combined value of over US$19 billion." Yet the rapid spread of Dutch elm disease (DED) has brought the majestic elm to the brink of destruction in the 20th century. A brief history of the Grey Elm and its fight against DED will renew our appreciation for this beautiful tree.
The history of the elm stretches back to ancient Europe, where its leaves and branches were used as cattle feed. In times of great scarcity, parts of the elm were even used for human consumption. The ancient Romans used elm trees to sustain grapevines (the high canopied crown and graceful bough served as a make-shift grape arbor) and Native Americans utilized this durable and water-resistant wood to fashion canoes, rope, utensils and roofing. Because of its interlocking grain, resistance to splitting and water decay, elm wood is currently used in chair seats, coffins, wheels, and most popularly, in furniture and cabinet craftsmanship.
But in the 20th century, the elm has faced a sinister threat. In 1930, European logs infected with DED were imported to the United States, beginning a period of devastation for the elm tree. From 1945 to 1976, the North American Elm population dropped from 77 million to 34 million. Spread primarily by the Elm Bark Beetle, DED slowly moved from elm to elm, afflicting the vascular system (the water-moving mechanism) of innumerable Grey Elms and leading to decay and death.
While DED was gaining momentum, the Grey Elm was charming North America because, as the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry website describes, the Grey Elm is "...graceful, long-lived, fast growing, and tolerant of compacted soils and air pollution." Soon, suburbs across America and Canada boasted residential streets lined with the majestic elm. The elm became such a common sight that it was immortalized in the horror film "Nightmare on Elm Street", which touched a public nerve due in part to the sheer number of "Elm Streets" across America!
Today, aggressive rehabilitation measures such as fungal injections, educational awareness, root graft disruption and effective amputation of the infected parts of elm trees (these measures are describes in greater detail on the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry website) have brought the Grey Elm from the brink of extinction in the 20th century. A renewed supply of Grey Elm wood for furniture, cabinetry, flooring and other wood needs, and a greater appreciation for this excellent tree have ensured the legacy of the Grey Elm will endure.
References:
1.   rel=nofollow http://www.elmcare.com/quick_facts.htm
2.   rel=nofollow http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_ded/ht_ded.htm
James Bryant Yoder is a Midwestern guy with an interest in [http://www.weaverfurnituresales.com/index.aspx]Amish furniture and the simple life. Luckily, he's not far from Amish country. His articles provide helpful insights into the world of solid wood furniture and tips for furniture-enthusiasts and curious shoppers. James also has a long-time passion for [http://www.weaverfurnituresales.com/index.aspx]Shipshewana furniture, and writes extensively on its rich history and legacy.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Grey-Elm-Tree-Vs.-Dutch-Elm-Disease:-A-Brief-History&id=6581458] The Grey Elm Tree Vs. Dutch Elm Disease: A Brief History