A traditional tree became rare

 The history of elms in Europe goes back a long way: the holy elm of Ephesus is famous, and in the Edda elm and ash represent woman and man. But also the wood and even leaves were of high importance throughout the past 3000 years. It is like a paradox: This tree species struggles for its survival. If you look around in your neighbourhood most of the elms have vanished or are in a deplorable state. This is true for most of Europe and North America. Where there had been beautiful majestic elms in parks and along avenues hardly any are left. There seems to be only one strategy – to plant highly disease resistant varieties.