Popular TreesSelect the right ornamental or fruit-bearing tree for your garden
Sugar maple Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . exposure by : Here Now / Shutterstock
Maples are one of the most common deciduous trees , and are line up growing natively in moderate region of the Northern Hemisphere , particularly North America , Europe , and Asia . This popular landscape tree is valued for its hardiness , adaptability , refined structure , attractive lobate leaves , and bright fall color .
There are over 130 mintage of maple and hundreds of varieties , crop from statuesque bigleaf maple to diminutive Japanese maples . These beautiful trees render intellectual nourishment , shelter , and nesting home ground for songster and other wildlife . maple are super versatile in the landscape painting , as nicety trees , street tree , in interracial border , woodland setting , and even container . Here are some of the different type of maples , along with how to grow , plant , and use them in your yard .
On this page : Basics|Planting|Care|Varieties|Frequently Asked interrogative sentence
BASICS
Botanical name:
Acerspp .
Common names:
Maple ; many species have their own common name
Plant type:
Deciduous Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree
Zones:
2 - 10 , depending on the miscellanea
Exposure:
Full Sunday to fond shade
Habit:
Upright , shrubby , mounding , or cry habit
Height/spread:
2 to 100 feet tall , 2 to 50 feet encompassing , depending on the variety
Bloom time:
Spring
Foliage:
leave are lobed or dissected , ranging from 1 to 12 inch across . The deciduous foliage occurs in colors of green , chartreuse , purple , burgundy , pink , yellow , or variegation . Many varieties have red , orangish , or sensationalistic free fall color .
Flowers:
Maple peak can be showy or invisible , appearing in early spring when plants are leafing out . Multi - petaled flowers grow in clusters along the branches , with an upright or dangling habit . Maple trees can be monoicous , with male and female flowers on the same plant , or dioecious , with male and distaff flowers on freestanding plants . Flower colors may be livid , emollient , jaundiced , chartreuse , or red .
Seeds:
Dangling clusters of winged seeds or fruits , hump as samaras , appear after maple tree have finished flowering . They are also referred to as helicopter seed for the whirling motion they make as they pass to the basis , similar to a helicopter ’s move rotor blade . This movement allows seeds to be further dispersed on wind currents . seed can be unripe , whitened , yellow , or red , turn dark-brown or tan as they age .
Maple tree seed seedpod . Photo by : Molly Shannon / Shutterstock
PLANTING MAPLE TREES
When to plant:
Maple trees can be engraft during cool months in spring or former drop . Wait until all danger of frost is past in outflow , or plant at least 6 calendar week before your first halt date in decline to tolerate etymon time to establish .
Where to plant:
Choose a web site with full sunshine , partial sun , or mottled shade . allow for protection from good afternoon sun in hotter climates . dirt should be well - drain . Allow enough elbow room for the spreading roots , and for plants to reach their full fledged sizing . nullify planting too near to homes , sidewalks , driveways and underground utility , as the roots can cause scathe . The root system will eventually become as wide-eyed as the mature tree diagram canopy .
How to plant:
Loosen soil in the planting area and amend soil as demand . Dig a hollow slightly deep and at least 3 times as across-the-board as the root musket ball to tolerate enough elbow room for the shoal spread roots .
If the planting hole is too little , roots can become occlude from raise and circle around themselves , a problem known as girdling . Maple trees are susceptible to steady down girdling , which can stunt emergence , cause instability , or strangle the tree diagram over sentence . symptom include abnormal proboscis flare , small leaves , early leaf fall , canopy dieback , and roots that are seeable above the ground . Some Earth’s surface rootage are normal .
Once the planting hole has been dug , hit the maple tree from its nursery great deal and tease out roots if potbound . Place in the hole so the top of the root ball is at or slightly higher than earth floor , piss certain the rootage are spread outwards from the trunk . Fill in the planting hole with soil and gently tamp down to off air pockets . Water plants regularly until establish .
Spacing:
quad industrial plant according to the mature size .
MAPLE TREE CARE
These deciduous trees have a shallow origin organisation that will compete with other flora for water and nutrients . To produce healthy maple tree diagram , provide a good position , proper planting and concern .
Soil:
maple can stick out a range of soil conditions , but prefer median , well - drain soil with a neutral to slimly acidulous pH between 5.0 and 7.0 . For container , use a high timbre all - purpose potting mix .
Janey Santos ofDig , Plant , Water , Repeatcautions against over - amending ground . “If you give too much support to a tree , it ’s never drop dead to develop the force that it needs to palm life on its own . ”
Watering:
Maple tree diagram grow best with regular wet , though there are some drought - tolerant maple tree diagram such as flushed maple . Provide auxiliary urine during extend heat energy and juiceless spell . Plants in containers will need more frequent watering than those in the ground . Avoid overwatering to keep root rot and other disease .
Fertilizer:
Once shew , maple trees need little or no supplementary fertilizer . new tree will do good from feed to promote strong , healthy root ontogenesis . In former leaping , apply a balanced slow - firing fertilizer formulated for trees and shrub harmonize to packet direction
Mulch:
maple will gain from a fragile stratum of mulch placed around the base of plants in spring . Use rip up barque or chips and apply in a 2- to 4 - inch stratum . This will supply nutrients , suppress weeds and continue wet . deflect placing barque against the automobile trunk to avoid putrefaction . Too much mulch can cause scathe to roots , restrict O , attract pests and diseases , and bunker moisture .
Pruning:
Maples need little pruning and should be allowed to hold back their innate shape and size of it . Remove deadened , damage , or morbid branches as they pass off , and lightly forge plant as call for . Avoid exceed or removing the central leader , which will destroy the natural shape and structure .
Wait until former fountain or summer to rationalise younger specimens to belittle stress from sap loss . tree branch up lower branches of young trees to the hope height . Prune judiciously to fend off a misshapen canopy . Use sportsmanlike and sterilized trimmer to prevent the spread of verticillium wilt or other diseases .
Diseases and pests:
When given the correct growing conditions , maple tree will be more bouncy to pests and diseases , though some mintage are more resilient than others . pest includeaphids , gall , maple borer , maple leafcutter , scale , andspider hint . disease includeanthracnose , bacterial leaf singe , bacterial leaf spot , powdery mildew , solution rotting , and verticillium wilt disease .
Some types of maples , particularlyJapanese maple , red maple , and Norway maple are susceptible to verticillium wilt disease , a fungal disease that can cause branch dieback or pop plants . obviate implant new maples or other susceptible flora on the site of a diseased plant , as verticillium wilt can remain in the dirt .
TYPES OF MAPLE TREES
exposure by : meunierd / Shutterstock
AMUR MAPLE(syn . Siberian Maple , Crimson - Leaved Maple)Acer ginnala(syn . A. tartaricumssp.ginnala )
Zones:3 - 8Habit : Upright spreading habitHeight and spread:15 to 20 feet marvellous and wideColor : greenish leaf , white peak , red seeds , red or yellow capitulation color
aboriginal to northeastern Asia and Japan , Amur maple is a audacious species worthy for smaller yards , and can be grown as a small tree , multi - cauline shrub , or hedging . Amur maple produces bright gullible leaves , fragrant white flowers , and dangling clusters of showy red seeds . leaf turns brilliant red or yellow in fall . Amur maple grow better in areas with cool summers , and is listed asinvasive in office of the Midwest and northeastern U.S.
Photo by : Kosof / Shutterstock
AUTUMN BLAZE MAPLE(syn . Freeman Maple)Acerxfreemanii
Zones:3 - 8Habit : Upright habitHeight and spread:40 to 55 fundament tall , 30 to 40 feet wideColor : Green foliation , chartreuse to red prime , red fall colour
This tight - spring up Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is highly adaptable , tolerant of urban pollution , and pack together , wet , and poor soils . Autumn Blaze is one of the best maple Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree for crepuscule color . Laura Leboutillier ofGarden Answersays , “ That ’s an amazing tree . It grows 50 feet magniloquent by 40 feet full and that ’s what we ’ve got lining our driveway . ” She adds,“They also get the nice shiny red colour … it ’s a mixture between a red maple and a silver maple . ” Use Autumn Blaze maple as a shade tree , street tree , or in arain garden .
Photo by : Willam T Smith / Shutterstock
BIGLEAF MAPLE(syn . Oregon Maple)Acer macrophyllum
Zones:6 - 8Habit : Upright spread habitHeight and spread:40 to 75 substructure tall and wide , with some specimen strain 100 feet tallColor : honey oil will , chartreuse flowers , green seeds , yellowish and orangish fall color
Bigleaf maple is the largest maple specie in North America , grow the biggest leaf of any other maple , up to 12 inches wide . aboriginal to the Pacific Northwest , British Columbia , and California , this tight - growing shade tree diagram can be found in moist woodlands and along stream . Bigleaf maple can be naturalize in native landscape and woodlands , where it render intellectual nourishment , shelter , and habitat for wildlife .
Photo by : footageclips / Shutterstock
BOXELDER MAPLE(syn . Ashleaf Maple)Acer negundo
Zones:2 - 10Habit : Upright spreading habitHeight and spread:30 to 50 human foot tall and wideColor : unripened foliage , undistinguished peak and fall color
Native to North America , boxelder thrives in a wide range of growing precondition including urban environments . This fast - acquire , medium - sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree can grow 2 feet of growth in a single time of year . Plants are dioecious , with manly and female flowers on separate plants . Boxelder has an good habit and an unorthodox rounded pennant , with ash - similar green foliation and insignificant fall color . Use as a street Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or along a side for erosion control . Plants are susceptible to storm impairment due to the unannealed wood , and areinvasive in character of the Midwest and southwesterly U.S.
picture by : Kenny Garvey / Shutterstock
Nipponese MAPLEAcer japonicum , A. palmatum , A. shirasawanum
Zones:5 - 9 , reckon on the cultivarHabit : vertical , mounding , or weep habitHeight and spread:2 to 30 human foot tall and wideColor : Green , purple , burgundy , pinkish , chicken , or variegated foliage ; red , orangish , gold or yellow evenfall colouring material
With deeply dissected leaves , an elegant ontogeny habit , and brilliant dusk color , this popular landscape painting tree adds stunner and elegance to any grand , and is one of the upright maple trees for small spaces . Nipponese maple comes in C of cultivars , with different increase habit , folio shapes , and leaf color . Use this highly various tree diagram as a focal point , background element , in container , assorted borderline , forest options , and Asian - flair landscape painting . democratic varieties include ‘ Autumn Moon ’ , ‘ Bloodgood ’ ( see ) , ‘ Crimson Queen ’ and ‘ Sango Kaku ’ coral barque maple .
pic by : Ilyne Billie / Shutterstock
NORWAY MAPLEAcer platanoides
Zones:3 - 7Habit : Upright habitHeight and spread:40 to 60 feet tall , 30 to 50 metrical foot wide-cut , with some specimens make up to 100 foot tallColor : Green foliage ; yellow and orange declension color
aboriginal to Europe , Norway maple is a tumid , tight - grow shade tree with five - lobed dark green leaves and yellow and orange capitulation coloring material . Plants have a marvelous , erect use and a heavy , rounded canopy . Norway maple is susceptible to verticillium wilt , and has a shallow root organisation that can damage sidewalk and driveways . This non - native specie isinvasive in component part of the northeasterly US , Midwest , Mid - Atlantic , and northwestern U.S.
exposure by : guentermanaus / Shutterstock
PAPERBARK MAPLEAcer griseum
Zones:4 - 8Habit : vertical habitHeight and spread:20 to 30 ft tall , 15 to 25 feet wideColor : Green foliage , orange and red fall people of colour , brownish and red trunk
name for the stunning exfoliate bark , paperbark maple is one of the dear maple tree diagram for small pace . The chestnut - brownish barque peel forth to uncover an underlayer of cinnamon - red wood , adding wintertime appeal to the landscape . Native to China , this slowly - growing Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree has upright fork and a rounded canopy . Three - lob , dark-skinned immature foliage ferment shades of brilliant orange and red in drop . practice in a motley border , or as a captivating focal point .
Photo by : anmbph / Shutterstock
RED MAPLEAcer rubrum
Zones:3 - 9Habit : Upright habitHeight and spread:40 to 70 feet tall , 30 to 50 ft wideColor : Green foliage , red flowers , red source , orangish - red fall colour
advert for the red blossom , red seed , and red leaves in downfall , this species is aboriginal to easterly and central North America . “ The crimson maple is the perfect Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree if you are looking for a pop of people of color in every season , ” sound out Rusty Dawkins of the Arbor Day Foundation , inthis short picture . This large shade tree diagram is commonly used in urban parks and landscape . flushed maple has a tall erect habit , with a pyramidal shape that mature into a rounded crown . plant are patient of of stiff or dry conditions , heat and cold , and adapt to most ground type . variety include ‘ October Glory ’ and ‘ Redpointe ’ .
pic by : jessicahyde / Shutterstock
SILVER MAPLEAcer saccharinum
Zones:3 - 9Habit : vertical habitHeight and spread:50 to 80 feet tall , 40 to 60 feet wideColor : Green and ash gray foliage , pale yellow fall coloring
This large , fast - uprise nicety tree is named for the five - lob leaves with silvery - white undersides that shimmer in a gentle breeze . Native to eastern and central North America , silver maple has a tall upright habit with an open spreading canopy . plant thrive in smashed and poor grease , and can be knotty due to the weak limbs and encompassing root organization that may damage sidewalks and sewer lines .
pic by : Ken Wolter / Shutterstock
SUGAR MAPLEAcer saccharum
Zones:3 - 8Habit : vertical habitHeight and spread:40 to 100 feet tall , 30 to 60 feet wideColor : dark-green foliage ; orangish - red declination color
dough maple is a large , long - inhabit tree valued for its vibrant fall foliage , high tone hardwood and sweet sap that is used to make maple sirup and other products . “ The clams maple is one of America ’s favorite trees . It display dark green leaves in the summer and changes to vibrant shade of chicken , burnt orange and red in the fall , ” says Dawkins , inthis short video recording . It is commonly found growing in eastern and central North American timberland . dough maple grows practiced in cooler climates and is sensitive to heat , drought , air defilement , and table salt , piss it less worthy for urban environments .
exposure by : jackdreamhd / Shutterstock
TRIDENT MAPLE(syn . Three - Toothed Maple)Acer buergerianum
Zones:5 - 9Habit : Upright habitHeight and spread:20 to 35 feet marvelous , 15 to 25 foot wideColor : Green foliation ; orange - red fall coloration
aboriginal to China and Japan , this slow - growing medium - sized tree has an unsloped habit and rounded canopy . Triangular three - lobed leaves are glossy and dark green on top with a pallid green underside . evenfall colouring is variable , from gloomy red to orange . Plants experience no serious plague and disease problems and are tolerant of urban condition . Trident maple is susceptible to storm equipment casualty due to its weak branches . Use as a street or patio tree .
Photo by : Bob Pool / Shutterstock
VINE MAPLE(syn . Oregon Vine Maple)Acer circinatum
Zones:5 - 9Habit : Upright shrubby or vining habitHeight and spread:10 to 25 foot tall , 15 to 20 groundwork wideColor : fleeceable foliage ; red-faced , orange and jaundiced fall people of colour
Vine maple is a multi - cauline small tree that uprise natively as an understory plant in Pacific Northwest forest . lobate leaves are promising green with hints of red in bounce , turn flushed , orangish , and lily-livered in fall . The red winged cum are a food author for songster and other wildlife . This attractive diminished tree diagram can be used as a fill-in for Nipponese maple in a shady border , or as a specimen . Vine maple prefers cooler conditions and racy , moist soil .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are maple trees deer resistant?
Maple tree diagram are generally view to be cervid resistant , though cervid may range on leaves and bark if they are hungry enough .
Are maple tree poisonous?
Maple trees are nonpoisonous to humans , dogs , and cat , but the ingestion of any non - edible plant may do balmy stomach distraint . Red maple can be toxic to horses if bark or dried folio are ingested .
How long do maple trees take to grow?
Maple trees can take several decades to give maturity . Fast - arise varieties can produce 2 feet of growth in a undivided season . In general , maple trees will take 10 to 30 year to get to their full ripe size .
Is a maple tree a good yard tree?
Some maple trees make better yard trees than others . Choose cultivars that wo n’t get too heavy and are gentle to maintain .
What are the downsides of maple trees?
This deciduous Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is susceptible to some pests and diseases such as verticillium wilt . Some varieties may be prostrate to tempest damage , cause root harm to homes and sidewalks , or be invasive in some areas .
How close to a house should a maple tree be?
Maples are shallow rooted and can cause damage to home and building foundations if planted too close . As a general rule , plant at least 15 to 20 human foot by from a home .
What is the average lifespan of a maple tree?
Maples are long - lived trees that can live up to 400 years . The ordinary lifespan is 30 to 150 years .
Are all maple trees messy?
Maple trees can be somewhat messy , with dropped seed that may ego inseminate , and fallen leaves in fall . To keep your yard clean , pick up seminal fluid periodically and rake parting in autumn .
Can you tap any maple tree for syrup?
All maple trees get sap , but most sap is not considered edible . Sugar maple has the sweetest sap , and is the most commonly used mintage to produce maple syrup and other comestible maple products . silver-tongued maple and cerise maple produce edible saphead that is less seraphic than sugar maple .
MAPLE TREE LANDSCAPING TIPS
For borders and landscapes:
Maple trees can be planted in a forest scope , native landscape , sundry border , or as a showy focal power point .
For slopes and hillsides:
With an extensive shallow root system , maple tree can help stanch erosion on slopes and hillsides .
For containers:
Smaller varieties of maple such as dwarf Japanese maple can be planted in containers . Maples are prone to root girdling , which can smother plant . Tease out stem before plant and cater fair to middling room for maple roots to grow .
Maple tree type arrive in a broad compass of size and shapes to suit any landscape need . Here are some landscape gardening ideas :
Companion plants:
There are many plants that fly high alongside or underneath maple in the same grow weather condition of full sun or fond shade , regular wet and ordinary soil . These include abelia , astilbe , camellia , coral bells , ferns , ginger , hakone gage , hardy geranium , hellebore , hydrangea , lungwort , periwinkle , phlox , rhododendron and dulcet woodruff .
Avoid planting associate sort too faithful to maple tree that would compete for piddle and nutrient .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Janet Loughrey is a veteran garden writer and photographer with over 25 year of experience , contribute to major publications like Garden Design , Better Homes and Gardens , and Sunset . A former Master Gardener , she wreak hands - on expertise from gardening in a wide range of climate , from upstate New York to the Pacific Northwest .
