Elm Islands at the Mall
The Elm Islands border the Mall’s famous promenade—home to one of the nation’s most significant tree collections.
Historic elms line the iconic Mall and Literary Walk. Together with the trees along the Fifth Avenue perimeter, they make Central Park home to one of the world’s largest and last remaining stands of American elm trees.
American elms are celebrated for their twisting upper branches, forming an elegant, vase-like silhouette against the sky. This distinct form is one way to distinguish an American elm from its European cousins.
Elms have shallow root systems, making them especially vulnerable to stress and damage from soil compaction. To help keep these trees healthy, many of the Park’s elms—including those along the Mall—are protected by fencing. We thank you for helping us preserve these living treasures by remaining outside the fences. Please note that dogs are not permitted in this area, even when leashed.