AUGUSTINE 
ASCENDING 
LOTDHE 
These stories of good news 
EDITOR: 
about trees have been assembled 
for your use, and glossy prints of the pictures on this page will 
be sent you promptly on request 
to this association. 
Trees are the nation’s most valuable natural assets; shade 
and ornamental trees are community assets whose monetary value 
cannot be measured. 
Information on this sheet is based upon exhaustive research and 
authoritative opinion compiled by 
this association. Additional facts 
on America’s great new American elm are available. Plans are 
under way to supply you this information periodically, 
AUGUSTINE ASCENDING ELM RESEARCH ASSOCIATION i 
932 East 50th St 
reet, Chicago 15, Illinois 
Experts Tell Basic Points of 
Satisfactory Tree Selection 
The best guide to selection of 
shade and ornamental trees is to 
determine, first, the purposes for 
which the trees are to be planted; 
second, the conditions to which 
they must adjust themselves; third, 
the varieties most suited to satis- 
factory growth under city restric- 
tions; and, finally, individual pref- 
erence. 
The fact that individual prefer- 
ence is often given precedence over 
other factors in tree selection may 
account for unsatisfactory shade 
tree conditions in some communi- 
ties. 
“What is the best tree for city 
planting?” remains, in itself, un- 
answerable. As well ask what is 
the best suit for a man to wear, 
without asking the size of his body, 
the nature of his employment, the 
desires of his taste, and the capa- 
cities of his purse. 
The American Arborists Asso- 
ciation lists 26 popular varieties of 
shade trees as examples from 
which satisfactory selections may 
be made, with characteristic shape 
and height at maturity, as follows: 
LARGE TREES 
Finds Trees May 
Be Adjusting to 
Natural Changes 
Changing environment may well 
be a greater factor in temporary 
tree plagues than disease or insect 
pests, in the opinion of August P. 
Beilmann of the arboretum of the 
Missouri Botannical Garden. 
Dr. Beilmann states that there 
is no static ecological balunce ever 
achieved in nature but that this 
balance is dynamic, always chang- 
ing. He applies this principle to 
American shade trees. He finds 
that the present tree plantations of 
| the Middle West cover areas which 
were grasslands only 130 years 
ago, and that almost all of the 
trees planted on the highways, in 
parks, countryside, and yards of 
, America are of the bottomland va- 
| rieties elms, sycamores, pin 
| oaks, ete. 
| Consequently, he believes, these 
bottomland trees “have been grow- 
ing on the drier sites for such a 
short time that we may hardly ex- 
Name Shape Height 2 a 
American Elm Vase 75-100") pect them to be fully adjusted. 
prea Donec eral 75-100" He concludes from this that “rav- 
Jlackberry Spreading 60-90' : 
American Sycamore Spreading 5 ages of phloem necrosis may be 
Plane Tree Oval due, in part, to the fact that we 
Sugar Maple Oval < é: 
Honeylocust Spreading have been attempting to use a 
Pin Oak Conical bottomland tree on what had very 
Red Oak Oval | 1 b land,” d 
White Oak Spreading recently een grass and, an 
eeeh ae prcading that “chestnut blight and oak wilt 
MiRItE chs MEDIUM TREES are merely an expression of in- 
ment Gum ate complete adjustment to a changing 
anden va © ” 
Buckeye Oval environment. 2 + 
‘ . Oy __ The Augustine Ascending Elm 
Whire” Birch OW esearch Assuciation, which has 
SMALL SREES ; made exhaustive studies of influ- 
JOLAW He hounded 7 
Redbuil Gyreatliie ences affecting shade trees, noted 
Snedllow: Spreading recently that the elm tree may be 
ophornbeam Oval | O - “ 
Ieeascand aReeal traced through a geological history 
earn Rounded covering more than 60 million 
lawthorn Spreading . os ahs oem 
Flowering Crabapple = Rounded years, during which there was no 
While selection of trees is some- 
what a matter of preference, tree 
experts have established some | 
basic standards of purpose and | 
conditions to which trees must con- 
form to provide satisfaction for | 
this generation and those to come. | 
These have been summarized by | 
the Augustine Ascending Elm Re- | 
search Association as follows: 
GENERAL: Adaptability to | 
climatic and soil conditions is im- | 
portant. Rate of growth and size | 
and shape at maturity must be con- 
sidered. Reasonable initial cost | 
and economy of maintenance are | 
important to budget limitations. | 
PARKS: A combination of va- 
rieties, shapes, and sizes is desir- 
able for an over-all landscaping 
program. Trees with neat growing 
habits are desirable to permit 
proper maintenance and growth of 
lawns. Flowering trees and shrubs 
are important. Small spreading 
trees and shrubs should be planted 
with care so that misuse of park 
areas will not be encouraged. | 
Specimen trees of unusual varie- 
ties add interest in limited num- 
bers. 
STREETS: Because of traffic 
conditions, most small trees are 
undesirable, constitute hazards and 
are being removed in large num- 
bers where they were planted in 
horse and buggy days. Medium 
trees are often preferred and fre- 
quently desirable for a compact 
landscaping effect, but should not 
be low-branching varieties which 
tend to reduce traffic visibility. 
Tall-growing bushy or spreading 
trees interfere with overhead utili- if 
ties. Such cases can only be cor- 
rected by removal of large limbs. 
Compact large varieties have many | 
advantages. Lower limbs can be | 
trimmed for traffic visibility with- | 
out affecting appearance of tree. | 
Trees selected for street planting | 
should be characterized by sturdy | 
erotches and strong branches, with 
maximum indestructibility. Trees 
that are subject to breaking 
branches are costly in upkeep. 
Compactly deep-rooted trees are 
desirable, for such trees do not 
have tendencies to high root 
growth above or spreading surface 
roots that may damage sidewalks 
and paving. 
CEMETERIES: Selection should 
be much the same as for parks, ex- 
cept that trees having spiritually 
aesthetic form at maturity are de- 
sirable in generous numbers. It is 
especialy important that trees in- 
terfere very little with lawn 
growth and general maintenance, 
which is the mark of a well-kept 
‘cemetery and memorial park. 
GOLF COURSES: The trees 
chosen for golf course planting 
may well be the architectural mark 
of the course. Varieties should be 
selected for enhancement of 
grounds and buildings, enclosure 
hedges, and easy influence on 
growth and maintenance of lawns. 
| : : : : 
geological era in, which evidence 
of elm trees have not been found. 
Geologians have found, though, 
| that in some geological eras there 
have been numerous varieties of 
elm, and in following eras there 
may have been only a half to a 
third as many, while the next era 
had again a greater number of va- 
rieties. 
Based on such evidence as this, 
and on many other studies, the as- 
sociation believes that some of the 
so-called elm plagues of the pre 
ent day are a result of nature’s 
trying to achieve a new ecological 
balance, and that this new balance 
will be achieved when new strains 
of trees are evolved which grow 
well on both high and low water- 
table ground. 
Supporting this conviction, tne 
association has guaranteed all 
Augustine Ascending Elms against 
mortality from any virus or fun- 
gus, and has included specifically 
any Augustine elms planted to re- 
place any other variety of elm 
trees which have died from any 
cause. 
Augustine Ascending Elm is especially adaptable for planting in central areas 
of city because compact root system requires minimuni pavement opening, insures 
against interference with underground 
anchorage for tree. 
utilities 
This picture was taken in Winnetka, Ill, where garden club 
selected Augustine Ascending Elms to beautify business street 
Secure Place 
America’s Most Loved 
Tree for Generations 
One cannot obs@ve a row of 
elms without being impressed with 
their beauty and a realization of 
how poor the world would be with- 
out them. 
The elm is a graceful, hospitable 
tree, whose history can be traced 
geologically 60 million years back 
into the mists of antiquity. The 
elm’s place in the life and affec- 
tions of America has been secure 
| since New England settlers built 
{homes beneath the spreading 
branches of trees that reached sky- 
| Ward. 
| As communities in the Massa- 
jchusetts Bay Colony developed, 
| and the early settlers moved from 
Plymouth and Boston to found set- 
; tlements along the coast and in- 
| land to the Berkshires, the pioneer- 
ing homemakers transplanted elm 
saplings from the forests to orna- 
ment their land and to shude their 
streets. 
As these pioneering settlers 
moved westward to build a new 
nation, they shared their patient 
pilgrimage with the elm, and it is 
estimated that today more than a 
billion elms are rooted in Ameri- 
can soil between the grey Atlantic 
and the blue Pacific. Communities# 
in every state of the nation have 
loyal pride in their elms, and more 
than 25 million shade and avenue 
elms now adorn the landscape of 
the country. The elm tree is truly 
America’s most beloved tree, a 
tree that shades and blesses a na- 
| tion of homes. 
| To the familiar vase and foun- 
; tain shaped varieties of American 
elm has now been added a new and 
inspiring generation — the Augus- 
| tine Ascending Elm, whose aesthe- 
| tie grandeuer, majestic form, and 
|remarkable health and vitality 
have won the admiration of a na- | 
| tion of tree lovers. Discovered as | 
a young tree in Normal, Ill., about 
2() year's ago, the new elm tree was 
carefully observed, root grafted 
| scions planted under close scientific 
observation in widely separated 
areas, and finally released for gen- 
eral planting about five years ago. 
| So outstanding were its attributes 
that in that short space of time, 
thousands upon thousands of Au- 
gustine Ascending Elms have been 
Plantedinover200. cities in 26 
states. 
The Augustine Ascending Elm’s 
remarkable health is backed by a 
firm guarantee against mortality 
from any virus or fungus such as 
Dutch elm disease or phloem nec- 
rosis, and the variety is widely 
used to replace other varieties 
which have died in some areas. 
NEW ELM TREE 
The Augustine Ascending Elm, develop- 
ed after 20 years of study, from an un- 
usual tree discovered in Normal, Ill., is a 
tetraploid mutant of American elm, It ts 
acclimated to healthy growth in almost 
all parts of the country. Unlike most 
American elms, it grows in inspiring 
columnar upright form and does not 
spread its branches, It has exceptionally 
Strong tap roots, trunks, crotches, and 
branches. 
ARBOR DAY 
Arbor Day was inspired by the late J. 
Sterling Morton and first observed in 
Nebraska in 1872. It is now observed an- 
nually by all 48 states, and has resulted 
in plantings of millions of trees with an 
aggregate monetary value of many billions 
of dollars. 
NATURE REBUILDS 
There is a constant renewing of tree 
life by natural succession, says the Au- 
gustine Ascending Elm Research Associa- 
tion. Fire may destroy forests, insects or 
diseases invade them, or winds blow them 
down, but given time, they will build back 
again, 
WILL TO LIVE 
Trees have a strong will to live. The 
Augustine Ascending Elm Research Asso- 
ciation states that when a city tree ‘lies, 
its death can almost always be traced to 
some external cause — with human care- 
lessness as the principal one. 
and mains, and provides strong 
Two youthful Augustine Ascending 
nar form and compact shape. 
Elms in 
Dense folidge gives ample shade, but compact growth permits sun to reach thriving lawn 
} 
| 
| 
| 
} 
} 
; 
en itt 
1 Hh 
Normal, 
root habits do not disturb surface of soil and permit easy lawn care 
Good News For Tree Lovers 
[linots, evidence full development of the variety's imspiring colum- 
Neat 
New Elm Is Born; Becomes 
Choice of Many 
AUGUSTINE 
ASCENDING 
Guarantee New 
Elm Against 
Tree Plagues 
The Augustiné Ascending Elm, a 
Trees Thrive in 
Central Areas of 
Many Cities 
Planting of shade trees in cen- 
tral business districts of cities and 
towns has become increasingly | 
popular since Rockefeller Center 
startled blase New Yorkers by 
planting inspiring shade _ trees 
above -a~subway—on—busy—Fifth 
Avenue. 
More recently, Marshall Field 
and Company planted avenues of 
trees in the pavement of Chicago’s 
State Street, also on top of a sub- 
way, and another noteworthy 
planting was made on Chicago's 
“Magnificent Mile,” the stretch of 
Michigan Boulevard north of the 
Chicago River which is noted for 
smart hotels, shops, and restau- 
rants. American elm varieties were 
chosen for both these Chicago 
plantings. 
Beautification of central business 
areas has been undertaken also 
with good results in many smaller 
cities and towns. Lancuster, Penn., 
for example; Winnetka and Cicero, 
Ill.; and many others. In these 
cities, as well as in many others, 
Augustine Ascending Elms are 
now selected for central district 
plantings because of their upright 
characteristics and adaptability to 
city disciplining. , 
Minimum pavement opening 1s 
needed for Augustine Ascending 
Elm because of its compact root 
system. Neat root growing hubits 
do not tend to interfere with un- 
derground utilities, mains, side- 
walks, and surrounding pavement. 
At the same time, its compact 
branching system insures clearance 
for overhead utilities and surround- 
ing establishments, and permits 
clear traffic visibility. 
The Augustine Ascending Elm 
bears no seed and is a clean city 
tree. Its large leaves and dense 
foliage provide good shade. Its 
columnar form is inspiring, and 
blends with the architecture of 
nearby buildings. 
Augustine Ascending Elm is a 
mutation of American elm which 
has proven health for any part of 
the country where elm trees have 
grown before. This new elm does 
not spread its branches as do most 
varieties of elm. Its strong, deep 
roots provide powerful anchorage 
and with its great indestructibility 
and upright character it has high 
resistance to the clements. 
Recognizing concern existing in 
some areas of the country over 
fungus and virus diseases plaguing 
some older varictics of elm trees, 
the Augustine Ascending Elm Re- 
search Association, which controls | 
the variety, has covered all Augus- | 
tine elms with a guarantee against 
mortality from any virus or fun- 
gus. This is believed to be the 
first guarantee of health ever 
placed upon an American elm va- 
riety. - hbk s = Aes 
TREES GROW IN CYCLES } 
Trees, like members of the ani- 
mal kingdom, have generations. 
For instance, elm trees may be con- | 
sidered as having a 150-year gen- 
eration; oaks, 250 years; beeches, 
350 years. The poplars are shorter 
lived and have generations of only 
30 to 40 years. New generations 
are nature’s creations, both in the 
form of occasional mutations of 
new straihs and in the form of a 
yearly crop of seedlings. Each year 
some trees reach the fullness of 
their time, and in a balanced and 
orderly fashion, nature prepares 
the way for new creativity. 
| characteristics 
| crotches, 
monies. 
Arbor Day 
(Editorial) 
Of all the legal and public holidays nationally or locally ob- 
served in the United States, Arbor Day is exceptional in that it 
is set aside for an active observance dedicated to the future, 
rather than remembrance of the past. ; 
Arbor Day was inspired by the late J. Sterling Morton and 
first observed in the State of Nebraska on April 10, 1872. More 
than a million trees were planted in Nebraska in that first Arbor 
Day observance. Arbor Day is now observed — on varying dates — 
in all 48 states of the nation, and has resulted in the planting of 
millions of trees with an aggregate value of billions of dollars. The 
aesthetic value of the trees, the increase in property values they 
have created, and the inspiration they have given to millions of 
Americans could not be measured in terms of dollars and cents. 
Arbor Day observances are arranged by community groups, 
generally, with anywhere from one to 100 trees being planted at 
a single ceremony, or several times that number in related cere- 
Frequently the plantings are dedicated, and appropriate 
programs are conducted by sponsoring groups. 
In recent years, new varieties of shade trees have found much 
favor for Arbor Day plantings because they represent renewed 
vitality of tree life, regeneration, and inspiration for the future 
which is basic to Arbor Day. Among the new varieties in special 
favor for such plantings is the Augustine Ascending Elm, a mu- 
tation of American Elm with unusual characteristics of growth 
that make it an ideal tree for city plantings, and an inspiring 
form aesthetically suitable for occasions where spiritual dignity 
of form is especially appropriate. 
The Department of Recreation 
and Parks of Baltimore, Md., has 
found young trees most economical 
for new plantings in parkways, ac- 
cording to an article in The Ameri- 
can City magazine. 
This coincides with experience 
reports gathered annually by the 
Augustine Ascending Elm Re- 
search Association, covering plant- 
ings of new variety American elms 
in more than 200 municipalities in 
36 states. In every instance, the 
association reports, young trees 
have thrived mightily and increas- 
ed rapidly in value. 
The American City magazine 
quotes Charles A. Young, Jr., Bal- 
timore park forester, who found 
that trees of 1 to 14-inch caliper 
make the most rapid acclimation, 
and are most economical in initial 
cost, labor, and cure. 
The Forestry Division of the 
Bureau of Parks of Baltimore has 
experienced gratifying results with 
the new Augustine Ascending Elm 
variety, a mutation of the Ameri- 
can elm, discovered about 20 years 
ago in Normal, Ill., by the late 
Archie Augustine, noted horticul- 
turist and former president of both 
the Illinois and national nursery- 
men’s associations. 
The tree was subjected to ex- 
haustive testing, research, and de- 
velopment and then propagated for 
general planting, under the super- 
vision of an association represent- 
ing Mr. Augustine’s family and 
Illinois tree experts. 
The new variety evidences many 
of special import- 
ance for city planning. It grows 
about 20 per cent faster than other 
varieties of elm, has strong trunks, 
and branch system, de- 
velops an upright form, and has a 
compact root system. It has un- 
usual health characteristics and 
resistunce to storm damage, and 
has dense foliage which provides 
good shade. Because of its com- 
pact columnar form, the shade of 
this variety does not interfere with 
lawn development. 
The Augustine Ascending Elm 
is believed to be the only variety 
of elm tree firmly guaranteed 
against mortality from any virus 
or fungus, such as Dutch elm dis- 
ease and phloem necrosis. The 
Many Cities Have Discovered 
Young Trees Most Practical 
| tine 
guarantee applies to all plantings, 
including so-called epidemic areas 
of these diseases, and also covers 
any Augustine elms planted to re- 
place other varieties of elm trees 
Which have died from any cause. 
Baltimore’s first Augustine As- 
cending Elms were purchased as 
1% inch caliper stock, 8 to 10 feet 
high, in November, 1949, and were 
planted the same month. By Sep- 
tember, 1953, the trees had grown 
to 5%-ineh caliper and 17 to 20 
feet in height, and all exhibited 
healthy development. 
These trees were planted by the 
standard method used by the for- 
estry division. This prescribes dig- 
ging a hole twiee the size of the 
root spread and replacing all soil 
with prepared soil of the following 
composition: top soil, 80 per cent; 
rotted cow munure, 10 per cent; 
peat moss, 10 per cent. The trees 
were staked with 8-foot oak or 
steel fence posts, and supported by 
wire covered with used inner tub- 
ing or garden hose. 
Trees Gain From 
City Disciplining 
Pressures of city living are felt 
by shade trees when streets must 
be widened or extensive under- 
ground construction is undertaken, 
but otherwise there are many va- 
rieties of beautiful trees 
thrive under city living conditions. 
City trees gain much through 
disciplined living. Buildings which 
challenge them for room also shel- 
ter them from the full 
destructive storms and high winds. 
Municipal housekeeping protects 
them from many attacks by ani- 
mals and _ insects and _ assures 
watchful consideration of their 
health, 
Root systems of city trees can- 
not spread unrestricted near the 
surface, but must dig deep into the 
soil below pavements for nourish- } 
ment and anchorage. In time of 
drought, these trees, conditioned to 
sub-standard moisture and depend- 
ent upon finding nourishment be- 
low the surface soil layer, fare 
better than those which are accus- 
tomed to adequate moisture supply 
and ample nourishment near the 
surface. 
which | 
force of | 
new variety of American elm, 
| propagated from a parent tree dis- 
covered about 20 years ago in Nor- 
; mal, Illinois, is believed to be the 
| only variety of elm tree firmly 
guaranteed against mortality from 
| any virus or fungus such us 
| Dutch elm disease and phloem nec- 
| rosis. 
Siberian and Chinese elms, and a 
new variety of European smooth- 
| leaf elm, are claimed to be vesis- 
| tant to these tree diseases, but are 
not guaranteed by propagators. 
William A. Beaudry, president of 
| the Augustine Ascending Elm 
| search Association in Chicago 
states that the guarantee covers all 
Augustine Ascending Elnis planted 
anywhere, and that it is based upon 
long research work of the associa- 
| tion and periodically checked ex- 
perience of thousands of owners. 
The new variety of America’ 
most-loved shade tree was released 
for general planting in 1949 after 
many years of study by leading 
horticulturists and arboretums. It 
is now planted in over 200 cities in 
36 states. The variety is character- 
ized by exceptional health, rapid 
jrate of growth, and uprising 
; columnar form. Each tree bears a 
| registry number and tag of identi- 
| fication to verify experience 
> 
2e- 
es 
guarantee, the 
association stated a firm belief that 
the Augustine Ascending Elm h: 
} a very strong resistance to elm dis- 
eases, based upon: scientific tests 
and experience data. 
The variety has 
been used in 
place older strains of elm trees 
| which have been afflicted with age 
| or disease. The association’s health 
guarantee specifically applies to 
Augustine 
to replace 
died from 
those used 
other elms which have 
any cause, well 
for new plantings. 
as as 
Many Cemeteries 
Choose New Elin 
Because of its inspiring form 
and exceptionally neat growing 
habits, Augustine Ascending Elms 
have reached a new high in appre- 
ciation for cemetery plantings, and 
| are now growing in some of the 
| nation’s most beautifully —land- 
| scaped cemeteries and 
| parks, including Oak Ridge Ceme- 
tery, Springfield, Ill., near the tomb 
of Abraham Lincoln, and 
Point Military Academy Cemetery 
in West Point, N.Y. 
The upreaching form of Augus- 
Ascending Elm, _ its 
growth, and compact root and 
branch systems make it especially 
desirable for cemetery planting, 
Where it lends inspiring dignity 
and grace to its surroundings. 
Planted in memorial rows, Au- 
gustine Ascending Elm soon de- 
velops a breath-taking magnifi- 
cence at cemetery entrances, and+ 
serves a combined purpose of beau- 
ty and utility when used in sercen- 
ing rows. In small groups, the tree 
blends with almost any landscape 
treatment, and in single plantings 
it aecents the general landscape 
treatment with artistic splendor. 
Of special importance to ceme- 
tery officials are the influences of 
Augustine Ascending Elm_ plant- 
ings on maintenance of the sur- 
rounding area. The tree bears no 
seed and is therefore unusually 
clean. Its compact root system 
raises the soil around the tree very 
little. 
tree im Illinois, 
Normal, 
discovered as a voung tree 20 years aco 
Magnificent 
by the late Archie Augustine, and the 
parent tree of all Augustine Ascending 
Elms now growing in over 200 cities in 
36 states Columnar form, compact 
root and branch system, and vigorous 
health of parent is evidenced in its 
scions, 
West | 
| 
fast | 
Ci e 
ities 
Augustine Ascending Elm, a new 
upright variety of American elm 
propagated from a tree discovered 
20 years ago in Normal, Hl., has 
proved an exceptionally desirable 
tree for city planting since it was 
first released to the public in the 
fall of 1949. 
Thousands-of Augustine Ascend- 
ing Elms have been planted in over 
200 cities in 36 states to replace 
older trees and to beautify park- 
Ways in new subdivisions, or to be- 
come distinguishing features of 
important shopping districts, 
parks, cemeteries, and golf courses. 
Some cities, like Baltimore, Md., 
and Cudahy, Wisc., have planted 
large numbers of young Augustine 
Ascending Elms in newly built sec- 
tions, finding them economical and 
thrifty because of low initial cost, 
minimum maintenance expense, 
and rapid rate of growth. 
Others, like New Haven, Conn., 
have planted this new variety of 
America’s most-loved shade tree 
as replacements for older varieties 
on streets and avenues that have 
been elm-shaded since Colonial 
days. 
large numbers by many cities to re- 
Ascending Elms planted | 
memorial | 
| Normal, 
|ton and Saugus, Mass.; 
Still others, like Cicero and Win- 
netka, Ill., and Lancaster, Penn., 
have planted these youthful trees 
in central business districts where 
no trees have been growing for 
years. 
Some cities have chosen the 
graceful upright elm for future 
plantings, lining out young trees 
to grow on to larger size for trans- 
planting. New York City and 
Washington, D.C., are among those 
who have done this. 
Some cities have chosen Augus- 
tine Ascending Elms for special 
plantings in parks; to beautify 
civie buildings, schools, colleges, 
etc., and for similar purposes. Bos- 
Wilmette, 
Ill.; and Denton, Tex., are among 
the communities who have done so. 
For any city planting purpose, 
Augustine Ascending Elm_ has 
been approved by leading arborists 
and park and forestry officials. It 
is now specified officially in some 
cities as one of a limited number 
of shade tree varieties acceptable 
for public plantings. 
Characteristic of the new elm 
are upright form, neat root and 
branch growing habits, sturdy 
roots, strong crotches and branch- 
es, unusual health, and great inde- 
) structability. 
| The Augustine Ascending Elm 
| Research Association, which con- 
trols the variety, states a firm be- 
lief that the variety has a very 
strong resistance to elm diseases, 
| based upon scientific tests and ex- 
perience data. Supporting this be- 
lief, it has firmly guaranteed all 
Augustine Ascending Elms with- 
out reservation against mortality 
from any virus or fungus. 
Spent 20 Years to 
Develop New Elm 
Development of the Augustine 
Ascending Elm on scale to permit 
national distribution began nearly 
20) years ago with experiments by 
the late Archie M. Augustine, of 
Ill. The noted horticul- 
turist and former president of- both 
the Illinois and national nursery- 
men’s association had observed the 
outstanding characteristics of a 
young elm tree growing in Normal 
and began experiments to establish 
sound propagation procedure to 
continue the characteries in scions 
of the parent tree. 
Mr. Augustine’s work resulted in 
propagation of several scions in a 
few years, all of which exhibited 
the same fast-growing, sturdy, 
neat, compact growing qualities of 
the parent tree, together with the 
parent’s magnificently upreaching 
form. 
Having determined desirable 
propagation procedure, Mr. Aygus- 
tine had a pilot group of young 
scions well established when he 
died in 1947. He had also stimu- 
lated the interest of a number of 
tree experts in the new elm, Upon 
his death, these experts, and mem- 
bers of Mr. Augustine’s family, 
formed a research association to 
continue the work he had started. 
This association engaged in fur- 
ther propagation studies and in ox- 
tensive research on present and 
historic aspeets of the clm_ tree. 
It also released a number of young 
scions of the new variety for plant- 
ing in arborctums and other test 
areas, and these were closely ob- 
served as they developed. In cach 
case, the trees grew 20 to 25 times 
faster than other elm varieties, and 
each had the outstunding charac- 
teristics of the parent tree dis- 
covered by Mr. Augustine. 
In January, 1948, the new tree 
was introduced at a Chicago con- 
vention of the American Landscape 
Nurserymen’s Association. The 
new variety wus released for gen- 
eral plantings in 1949. The entire 
available supply of Augustine As- 
cending Elm has been distributed 
each season since then, and a peri- 
odie check has been kept on all the 
trees now growing in over 200 
municipalities in 36 states. 
To meet the steadily increasing 
demand for this healthy new va- 
riety of American elm, the Augus- 
tine Ascending Elm Research As- 
sociation has arranged an expan- 
sion of production under its super- 
vision and control, and it is antici- 
pated that propagation will be ex- 
tended to several additional key 
areas of the country. 
