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FAQs

Why are the Penn State elms dying?

More than 22 percent of the Penn State elms are infected by elm yellows disease, a deadly bacteria-like infection for which there is no known cure. The bacteria-like organism infects the root cells and the inner bark that carries nutrients to all parts of the tree, but does not invade the core of the tree. The disease essentially prevents the tree from receiving adequate nourishment, ultimately killing it. Once a tree dies, so does the whitebanded elm leafhopper, leaving the elm wood unaffected.

To read more, click here.

Why is Penn State making furniture from the elms?

The Penn State elms are a cherished part of the University Park campus. While the Penn State elm trees are under attack from elm yellows, the elm wood is not affected by the disease and remains a beautiful hard wood. The Penn State Elms Collection is a way for the elms to live on, while helping the University to replant the campus, as a significant portion of the proceeds from the sale of the furniture and frames goes to supporting the planting of new trees.

Watch how the wood from the elms becomes a part of the distinctive line of The Elms Collection.

Are there plans to replace the elms?

Penn State’s Office of Physical Plant has been replanting a wide-variety of species to replace any elms that have been lost.

View photos or watch a video of the new trees being planted in June 2011.

Will you be adding more items to The Penn State Elms Collection?

We are looking at possibly adding more items to The Penn State Elms Collection, but at this point, there is no timeline for doing so. Check back on the Web site for an update.

Are these limited-edition pieces?

While these are not limited-edition pieces, there is a finite amount of wood that will be available from the Penn State elm trees. So in some sense, there is a limited number and a limited time that furniture and frames in The Penn State Elms Collection will be offered.

How long will these pieces be available?

There is no set timetable. The Penn State Elms Collection will be offered until the elm wood is no longer available.

Can I get a rush order?

Each heirloom-quality piece of furniture or frame is made as ordered with the customer’s choice of finish. That process, unfortunately, does not allow for rush orders. For furniture, please allow six to eight weeks for production time, plus shipping time. Frames can be expected in four to six weeks.

How do I know my piece is made from authentic Penn State Elms?

Each piece of furniture and each frame ordered comes with a “Certificate of Authenticity,” verifying that your heirloom-quality furniture was made with wood from Penn State elms.

Can I buy the raw elm wood?

No. The wood is not available for sale. The furniture and frames included in The Penn State Elms Collection is the exclusive opportunity for alumni and friends to have a beautiful piece of Penn State history in their homes.

Is there any special care for the elm wood pieces?

No, just care for them as you would any other piece of fine wood furniture.