Acer saccharum

Sugar Maple

Acer saccharum - Sugar Maple

Tips for Homeowners:

If necessary prune when sap stops running in the midsummer.

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The majestic beauty of the Sugar Maple is why this tree is so popular as a shade tree.  For the person sitting under the tree on a hot summer day, this tree is comfort and protection from the hot rays of sunshine.

  • Brilliant yellow and red-orange fall foliage
  • Provides excellent cover and nest sites for birds
  • Sugary sap is used for making maple syrup

This is a huge tree and should be planted where it has room to grow and where it can be irrigated in periods of drought.

Height: 60-75 ft
Spread: 50-60 ft
Zone: 4-8
Color: Green

Interesting Notes about Sugar Maple:

Sugar Maples are known primarily as one of the best shade trees of all species.  It is the tree chosen as the 'state tree' by more states more often than any others, plus its value extends commercially for syrup production and lumber.  This maple is a little fussier than most other maples because it does not do well in poorly drained soils, salt or pollution.  It does produce roots that tend to grow very close to the soil surface, which is important because these are feeder roots.  These roots and the overall size of the tree will eventually dissuade other plants from growing beneath the tree.  The tree does produce fruit which are referred to as samaras (or helicopters) that mature in fall.


Characteristics & Attributes

Attributes:

  • Great Foliage
  • Low Maintenance
  • Native
  • Focal Point
  • Fall Color
  • Specimen
  • Cold Tolerant

Foliage Color:

  • Orange
  • Green
  • Red

Exposure:

  • Full Sun
  • Partial Sun

Attracts Wildlife:

  • Attracts Songbirds

Habit:

  • Upright

Season of Interest (Foliage):

  • Fall

Soil Moisture:

  • Average Water