Outdoor Sculpture Collection

American Elm Trees

The American Elm tree is one of the University’s most graceful and spectacular trees.  It is a fast growing tree reaching heights over 100 feet.  In the 1970s, due to overplanting, the American Elm tree began dying from disease.  Millions of trees were lost and continue to be lost. Thanks to extensive disease control methods, however, fortunately many others survived.  Today, new hybrids are being grown and tested throughout the country with many showing good resistance.  The variety of American Elm at Hofstra known as, Washington, was chosen to honor a visit from President George H. Bush who, with his wife Barbara, participated in a tree planting ceremony both at this site, and  directly across the walkway with the understanding that someday the trees would grow to meet each other.