Free elm trees now available under matching grant program

The new Matching Tree Grant Program has been announced by Elm Research Institute), a nonprofit organization based in Keene, NH. This unique, community-oriented promotion features disease-resistant American Liberty Elms which are the only street proven, purebred, native American elms with a Lifetime Warranty against Dutch elm disease.

Here's how the Matching Tree Grant Program works; for every inch of caliper, purchased by an ERI member, (in trees 2 inch caliper and larger) Elm Research Institute will donate a one inch caliper tree (approximately 6 ft. in height) to be presented as a gift to the municipality of the member's choice.

Example: member buys (1) 6-inch caliper tree and ERI donates, in his name, (6) 1-inch caliper trees, valued at $150 each, to the town of his choice. The one stipulation is that the American Liberty Elms must be planted on public property. The tax-deductible gift of trees will help Elm Research Institute fulfill its mission to "Re-elm" the streets of America.

"Liberty Elms have become extremely popular with Landscape Architects and contractors," said John P. Hansel, founder of ERI. "We will extend the Matching Tree Grant Program to those who are specifying and planting American Liberty Elms."

The American Liberty Elms, with their classic American elm form, lend themselves to many landscape designs, including elm-lined drives, elm groves, and specimen elms in choice locations. As the elms mature, they raise their wide canopies to heights that afford clear views of the architectural details of buildings and deep shade for people to enjoy.

Having elms as a landscape element again, designers can continue the tradition of Fredrick Law Olmsted, who included American elms in his plans for the U.S. Capitol grounds, New York City's Central Park and other projects.

The American Liberty Elm, during its research phase, showed superior resistance to disease fungus inoculations in eight successive years, the Institute reports. Now the tree has had 20 years of "street testing," growing in communities where Dutch elm disease is present. ERI calls this "the ultimate field test." Losses among the over 300,000 trees distributed have been less than 1 percent.

"With more elms now on the market claiming resistance," Hansel said, "you need to ask the right questions. As a consumer, you have the right to inquire about the origin and track record of any elm you are considering."

For more information about the Matching Tree Grant Program, phone Elm Research Institute at 603-358-6198, online at www.libertyelm.com or write Elm Research Institute, 11 Kit St, Keene, NH 03431.