The Society of Municipal Arborists has selected Zelkova serrata 'Musashino' as this year's top urban tree. The award program started 20 years ago, is often given to species or cultivars that should be used more frequently, and winners are selected for their ornamental characteristics and adaptability to harsh city conditions.
This particular tree was introduced 16 years ago by the J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. It's a narrow, upright, fast-growing Zelkova with attractive fall foliage that has been a popular street tree in Japan. Schmidt says that if it's planted alone, the tree is "a landscape exclamation mark." If planted in groups, it creates "a vertical design statement for parks, campuses, boulevarads, and other public spaces." In addition, the company says it's a great choice for alleés or to screen out unpleasant views.
The tree was planted in Providence, Rhode Island, where City Forester Doug Still says it's been a great success along Atwells Avenue, famous for its Italian restaurants and gourmet groceries. "I heartily recommend 'Musashino' zelkova when you've got a tight space and you need a reliable tree," he says.
In Rochester Hills, Michigan, 47 of the trees were planted over the past six years. Dave Etz of SMA's forestry division says the tree is one of hardiest zelkova cultivars. After two harsh winters, he says, "we've seen zero dieback, and many of our 'Musashino' are located along major roads and boulevards, where they also show good tolerance to deicing salt spray."
What's not to like about this tree?
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