Chinese Elm Trees

The Merry Rose home, garden, and farm are sheltered by large trees, once only knee-high saplings, that over the years have grown tall, with branches and leaves forming overlapping arches that provide cool shade from the hot summer sun.

For years, we at the Merry Rose had no idea what type of trees these were. Some guesses included Dutch Elm, and remarks that due to Dutch Elm disease, we should consider cutting them down as soon as possible.

However, due to neighborhood construction, and lack of a fence at the Merry Rose, we found that the trees seemed to provide a measure of privacy, along with nice shaded areas. So, the trees have stayed.

Finally, someone explained that these were Chinese Elms.
After reading the description, the Merry Rose is not convinced that in fact these are Chinese Elms.
Here is some information about these interesting trees.

via Wikipedia
Ulmus parvifolia, commonly known as the Chinese Elm^[1] or Lacebark Elm, is a species native to China, Japan, North Korea and Vietnam.^[2] It has been described as "one of the most splendid elms, having the poise of a graceful Nothofagus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulmus_parvifolia

USDA Chinese Elm
http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_ulpa.pdf

http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/ulmparb.pdf

Elm Care : About Elms
http://www.elmcare.com/about_elms/about_elms.htm

Tree Legends
http://www.twoodtrust.com/twtreelore.htm#elm
http://www.twoodtrust.com/twtreelore.htm