Sugar Maple Tree- Care Guide

by Bailey Sons – January 07, 2023

What Is a Sugar Maple Tree?

The sugar maple tree, Acer saccharum, is a beautiful bright-leaved tree with a height of 60–75 feet and spreads of 40–50 feet. It usually has an erect trunk and often forms small clumps. The sugar maple tree’s leaves are dark green with a lighter-colored stomatal band that ranges from yellow to orange. These leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall.

Sugar Maple

How Do You Take Care of the Sugar Maple Tree?

The first step in taking care of a sugar maple tree is to prune it yearly. Pruning keeps your tree healthy and strong so it does not break or fall during the winter (when it is most vulnerable). It will also ensure that your sugar maple tree looks good all year.

How Much Sunlight Does the Sugar Maple Tree Need?

The sugar maple tree prefers total sun exposure, but it can tolerate partial shade in the summer months as long as there is plenty of light during the winter months. The tree will grow best when planted in an area with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Does the Sugar Maple Tree Back Up Every Year?

The sugar maple tree grows every year and can grow up to 24 inches in a year. This is because it has a very short leaf life span.

Where Do Sugar Maple Trees Grow?

Sugar maple trees grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones three through eight, where they are native to the Northeast and Midwest. They also grow well in parts of China and Japan.

What Environment Does the Sugar Maple Tree Grow In?

The sugar maple tree grows best in moist soil with good drainage enriched with compost or other organic material such as leaf mold or peat moss.

How Do You Grow Sugar Maple Trees?

Dig a hole at least twice as deep and wide as the container it came in, and add a handful of compost to improve drainage and help hold moisture for young roots. Ensure the hole is deep enough for the root ball to sit below ground level by at least 6 inches (15 cm). Water the tree regularly.

Are Sugar Maple Trees Toxic?

Sugar maple trees are not toxic but produce sap that irritates the skin and eyes.

How Do You Take Care of a Sugar Maple Tree?

To care for your sugar maple tree, fertilize it with an organic fertilizer like fish emulsion or manure tea.

How Did the Sugar Maple Tree Get Its Name?

The sugar maple got its name because it has been used to make syrup since Colonial times.

In addition to the Sugar Maple, TN Nursery sells other maples, including: Red Maple, Silver Maple and Japanese Maple.

Products from the article

Sugar Maple Tree - TN Nursery

Sugar Maple Tree

Sugar Maple Tree is a large deciduous tree native to North America. It is prized for its vibrant fall foliage, distinctive five-lobed leaves, and the sap used to make maple syrup. The tree benefits landscaping endeavors, enriching outdoor spaces' aesthetics, ecological balance, and functional aspects. This majestic deciduous tree offers unique qualities that contribute to various dimensions of landscape design. If you have ever enjoyed syrup, you have the tree to thank. Of course, it is celebrated for more than just its ability to create sweet treats. It can also be used to add color to your property or a neighborhood as a whole. What Does Sugar Maple Tree (Acer saccharum) Look Like As with most deciduous families, this one will grow to more than 100 feet tall in ideal conditions. However, it can grow to 150 feet in some instances. It also has a canopy of green leaves during the spring and summer and turns multiple colors in the fall. It also contains flowers and winged seeds that are used to create offspring. How Long Does It Take for Sugar Maple Tree to Mature They will typically take at least a decade to produce fruit, but it may only take a few years to produce flowers. In addition, they will grow relatively quickly, which is why they can be a great addition to private property or public parks. Sugar Maple Tree Root System Is Strong Like others, the Sugar Maple Tree will create a robust root system that can help stabilize soil or prevent erosion. Therefore, it can be an ideal choice in wet areas or on slopes where a landslide could quickly decimate a landscape. In addition to protecting your property, keeping erosion to a minimum can help keep others in your neighborhood or community safe. Support Wildlife By Planting Sugar Maples Trees  Planting a Sugar Maple Tree on your property can provide birds and other animals with a place to live or food to survive. For instance, squirrels and other smaller creatures will eat the seeds, while deer may be interested in chewing on leaves. Some animals may be attracted to the foliage itself or the benefits it can provide other than being a food source for them. How long does pure maple sugar last?  Pure maple sugar has an indefinite shelf life, provided it is kept in a cool, dry place and stored in a nonporous container.  What is the difference between a sugar maple tree and a regular maple tree?  Sugar maple has its name from the sweet sap used to produce maple syrup and brilliant fall colors. It has smooth, free bark, especially when young, and matures at a slower pace into fine-graded dense wood compared to the others.  Where do sugar maples grow best?  In soil characteristics, an ideal location for sugar maple is well-drained, fertile, and with organic matter. It favors shaded, humid conditions and is found in the climate of the Northern Territories USDA zones 3-8, in forest and country regions.  Are sugar maples edible?  Yes, some type of sugar maple sap is edible and is used for making pure maple syrup. Moreover, fresh young leaves of sugar maple trees or plants are consumed either raw or cooked in moderation.  What is the best fertilizer for sugar maples?  A slow-release fertilizer that is best used for sugar maples is one with a nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium combination, such as 10-10-10. It is best used at the start of spring so as to encourage appropriate growth and impressive foliage.
$26.99
$26.99
Red Maple Tree - TN Nursery

Red Maple Tree

Red Maple trees are native to North America and are known for their striking spring scarlet flowers, brilliant fall foliage, and distinctive twigs and leaf stems. They are versatile and aesthetically pleasing choices for landscaping and offer various benefits that enhance outdoor spaces. With their striking foliage, adaptable nature, and environmental contributions, red maple trees have become popular residential and commercial landscaping options.  Regarding gardens, the Red Maple Tree is a particular case because it often exceeds 100 feet in height. Its imposing nature and brilliantly colored foliage during the spring and fall make it a breathtaking sight in any garden. It is a focal point because it will dominate any garden landscape. The Flowers Of The Red Maple Tree (Acer rubrum) Comes When It's 8 Years Old This plant will produce blooms when it is roughly eight years old. When the flowers emerge from them, they are tiny and scarlet, giving this maple its name. Interestingly, these pretty little flowers appear as early as December each year so that they will add splashes of crimson to the winter landscape in the garden. The male and female flowers are each a different shade, adding to the color palette of this stately plant. The flowers of this plant fade by the end of May, but the plant still looks like it's got flowers in bloom after pollination of the flowers. After the flowers fall away, beautiful samaras form in clusters throughout the summer, contrasting with the leaves. The Leaves Of The Red Maple Tree The leaves are lush and verdant, and they have one of the most famous shapes of any leaf in the plant kingdom. However, as the leaves turn colors in the autumn, they're not just one color. Gorgeous streaks of orange and yellow form throughout them, creating an almost kaleidoscopic effect as the eyes take in the majesty of the plant. Because this plant has so many colors, it goes well with many perennials of different shades, accentuating the colors of the other plants in the garden and vice versa. Because it is such a large plant for any garden, it's just right as a host for epiphytic plants to grow upon it. In this way, this plant can be integrated into the garden. Environmental Impact Of The Red Maple Tree Red Maple Tree is a necessary part of the food cycle as winter turns to spring, particularly for bumble bees. Because it flowers so early, it provides an exceptional source of pollen and nectar for hungry pollinators before almost any other plants bloom or produce leaves. These plants also help prevent soil erosion with their root systems, especially in wet climates. Is red maple a good tree for a yard? Yes, red maple trees are perfect for yards because they are fast-growing, and the foliage comes in a deep red in the fall. They offer good coverage, and they are comparatively easy to maintain, hence much valued by homeowners.  What method is used to plant red maple trees?  When planting a red maple, some factors have to be taken into consideration. They include: The red maple tree prefers an area of full to partially shaded sunlight and well-drained soil. Bury the root mass in a hole, place the tree at the same level it was growing in the pot, fill the hole with soil to the top, and water it well.  How big do red maple trees grow?  Red maple trees are fast-growing, and depending on the condition, they can grow up to one to two feet per year. Some varieties can grow up to 40-70 feet tall, thus suitable for offering shade.  How to grow red maple trees?  It produces red maples if water is given frequently in the initial years and when mulch is applied to maintain the moisture content and the temperature of the soil. Trim as desired to maintain the form of the tree and eliminate any that are diseased or have become a liability.  What are some facts about red maple trees?  Autumn is the season most people associate with the beautiful red color of the maple trees. However, it is not rare to see them bursting into red color right in spring. These flowers are indigenous to North America and grow well in different soils, even marshy and acidic soils.
$24.99
$24.99
Silver Maple Tree - TN Nursery

Silver Maple Tree

The Silver Maple tree is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree native to North America. It is known for its distinctive silver underside of leaves and its adaptability to various soil and moisture conditions. They offer many landscaping advantages, adding aesthetic and functional value to outdoor spaces. These trees are renowned for their impressive size, distinctive foliage, and ecological contributions, making them a popular choice for various landscape designs. The silver maple tree is native to North America. In the wild, it can often be found along rivers and creeks. Arborists and horticulturists know it as the Acer Saccharinum. Its names include water, swamp, Silverleaf, white, and soft maple. It's beloved for its large canopies and foliage. Identifying the Silver Maple Tree (Acer saccharinum) Acer Saccharinum is considered large. It can grow up to 70 feet with a width of 50 feet. Gardeners and landscapers can expect it to grow between three and seven feet per year. The bark is gray and smooth. As it ages, the bark develops lines or stripes. Its leaves grow to lengths of between three and six inches. They are green in the spring and summer, change colors in the fall, and fall to the ground in the winter. Where To Plant Silver Maple Tree  Due to its mature height and spread, the Acer Saccharinum looks best in a large yard. Planting it next to rivers, lakes, or streams is often most beneficial. It also does well in shade gardens, the primary shade-providing plant. Due to its large size, the Acer Saccharinum attracts a variety of wildlife. Birds can often be found around it, including finches, wild turkeys, wood ducks and grosbeaks, squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, beavers, and deer.  What to Plant Next to Silver Maple Tree Acer Saccharinum has a wide canopy and a large spread of roots that grow close to the soil's surface, so it's best to plant greenery and shade-tolerant flowers. Some great plants to grow next to the Acer Saccharinum include Pennsylvania sedge, hepatica, columbine, and Canada violets. If you're a gardener looking to plant at the edges of the canopy, Solomon's seal, columbine, ostrich ferns, and lady ferns make great choices. Silver Maples Are Fast-Growing Trees Silver Maple Trees can add a focal point to large yards and shade gardens. Landscapers and gardeners love them because they grow well around water and provide a lot of shade with their large canopy. What is the difference between a silver maple and a red maple?  The silver maple (Acer saccharinum) has large, basically pentagonal leaves with a silvery irradiation and rather deeply subdivided; the red maple (Acer rubrum) has most rounded leaves that turn bright red in autumn. Further, the growth rate of silver maple is relatively high, and its spread is wider than that of red maple. How Fast Does A Silver Maple Tree Grow  They grow very fast, with 3 to 5 feet growing every year if conditions are favorable. This fast growth makes them good for any large area where one needs a shade faster, like large projects and more.  What is the lifespan of a silver maple?  The silver maple's life ranges between three decades and half a century but can extend to 70 years at times. Because of vigorous growth, silver maples contain a shorter lifespan than other tree species with a gradual growth rate.  Facts About Silver Maple Trees  It is a very tolerant tree, which prefers soil with different pH levels and it can be planted in the middle of cities. Thereby, their striking silvery leaves, besides providing aesthetic value, allow the tree to lose little water and, therefore, thrive in arid environments. Silver maples shed massive amounts of what is known as "helicopter" seeds that spin as they hit the ground.  What are the characteristics of a silver maple tree?  Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) are fast growing deciduous trees with leaves having deep lobes and silver on the back. It can grow up to be between 15-27 meters tall; it has a wide, dome-shaped crown that gives adequate shade. Silver maples are usually chosen due to their toughness and the speed with which the trees are grown.

$26.99
$26.99
Sugar Maple Tree - TN Nursery

Sugar Maple Tree

Sugar Maple Tree is a large deciduous tree native to North America. It is prized for its vibrant fall foliage, distinctive five-lobed leaves, and the sap used to make maple syrup. The tree benefits landscaping endeavors, enriching outdoor spaces' aesthetics, ecological balance, and functional aspects. This majestic deciduous tree offers unique qualities that contribute to various dimensions of landscape design. If you have ever enjoyed syrup, you have the tree to thank. Of course, it is celebrated for more than just its ability to create sweet treats. It can also be used to add color to your property or a neighborhood as a whole. What Does Sugar Maple Tree (Acer saccharum) Look Like As with most deciduous families, this one will grow to more than 100 feet tall in ideal conditions. However, it can grow to 150 feet in some instances. It also has a canopy of green leaves during the spring and summer and turns multiple colors in the fall. It also contains flowers and winged seeds that are used to create offspring. How Long Does It Take for Sugar Maple Tree to Mature They will typically take at least a decade to produce fruit, but it may only take a few years to produce flowers. In addition, they will grow relatively quickly, which is why they can be a great addition to private property or public parks. Sugar Maple Tree Root System Is Strong Like others, the Sugar Maple Tree will create a robust root system that can help stabilize soil or prevent erosion. Therefore, it can be an ideal choice in wet areas or on slopes where a landslide could quickly decimate a landscape. In addition to protecting your property, keeping erosion to a minimum can help keep others in your neighborhood or community safe. Support Wildlife By Planting Sugar Maples Trees  Planting a Sugar Maple Tree on your property can provide birds and other animals with a place to live or food to survive. For instance, squirrels and other smaller creatures will eat the seeds, while deer may be interested in chewing on leaves. Some animals may be attracted to the foliage itself or the benefits it can provide other than being a food source for them. How long does pure maple sugar last?  Pure maple sugar has an indefinite shelf life, provided it is kept in a cool, dry place and stored in a nonporous container.  What is the difference between a sugar maple tree and a regular maple tree?  Sugar maple has its name from the sweet sap used to produce maple syrup and brilliant fall colors. It has smooth, free bark, especially when young, and matures at a slower pace into fine-graded dense wood compared to the others.  Where do sugar maples grow best?  In soil characteristics, an ideal location for sugar maple is well-drained, fertile, and with organic matter. It favors shaded, humid conditions and is found in the climate of the Northern Territories USDA zones 3-8, in forest and country regions.  Are sugar maples edible?  Yes, some type of sugar maple sap is edible and is used for making pure maple syrup. Moreover, fresh young leaves of sugar maple trees or plants are consumed either raw or cooked in moderation.  What is the best fertilizer for sugar maples?  A slow-release fertilizer that is best used for sugar maples is one with a nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium combination, such as 10-10-10. It is best used at the start of spring so as to encourage appropriate growth and impressive foliage.
$26.99
$26.99
Red Maple Tree - TN Nursery

Red Maple Tree

Red Maple trees are native to North America and are known for their striking spring scarlet flowers, brilliant fall foliage, and distinctive twigs and leaf stems. They are versatile and aesthetically pleasing choices for landscaping and offer various benefits that enhance outdoor spaces. With their striking foliage, adaptable nature, and environmental contributions, red maple trees have become popular residential and commercial landscaping options.  Regarding gardens, the Red Maple Tree is a particular case because it often exceeds 100 feet in height. Its imposing nature and brilliantly colored foliage during the spring and fall make it a breathtaking sight in any garden. It is a focal point because it will dominate any garden landscape. The Flowers Of The Red Maple Tree (Acer rubrum) Comes When It's 8 Years Old This plant will produce blooms when it is roughly eight years old. When the flowers emerge from them, they are tiny and scarlet, giving this maple its name. Interestingly, these pretty little flowers appear as early as December each year so that they will add splashes of crimson to the winter landscape in the garden. The male and female flowers are each a different shade, adding to the color palette of this stately plant. The flowers of this plant fade by the end of May, but the plant still looks like it's got flowers in bloom after pollination of the flowers. After the flowers fall away, beautiful samaras form in clusters throughout the summer, contrasting with the leaves. The Leaves Of The Red Maple Tree The leaves are lush and verdant, and they have one of the most famous shapes of any leaf in the plant kingdom. However, as the leaves turn colors in the autumn, they're not just one color. Gorgeous streaks of orange and yellow form throughout them, creating an almost kaleidoscopic effect as the eyes take in the majesty of the plant. Because this plant has so many colors, it goes well with many perennials of different shades, accentuating the colors of the other plants in the garden and vice versa. Because it is such a large plant for any garden, it's just right as a host for epiphytic plants to grow upon it. In this way, this plant can be integrated into the garden. Environmental Impact Of The Red Maple Tree Red Maple Tree is a necessary part of the food cycle as winter turns to spring, particularly for bumble bees. Because it flowers so early, it provides an exceptional source of pollen and nectar for hungry pollinators before almost any other plants bloom or produce leaves. These plants also help prevent soil erosion with their root systems, especially in wet climates. Is red maple a good tree for a yard? Yes, red maple trees are perfect for yards because they are fast-growing, and the foliage comes in a deep red in the fall. They offer good coverage, and they are comparatively easy to maintain, hence much valued by homeowners.  What method is used to plant red maple trees?  When planting a red maple, some factors have to be taken into consideration. They include: The red maple tree prefers an area of full to partially shaded sunlight and well-drained soil. Bury the root mass in a hole, place the tree at the same level it was growing in the pot, fill the hole with soil to the top, and water it well.  How big do red maple trees grow?  Red maple trees are fast-growing, and depending on the condition, they can grow up to one to two feet per year. Some varieties can grow up to 40-70 feet tall, thus suitable for offering shade.  How to grow red maple trees?  It produces red maples if water is given frequently in the initial years and when mulch is applied to maintain the moisture content and the temperature of the soil. Trim as desired to maintain the form of the tree and eliminate any that are diseased or have become a liability.  What are some facts about red maple trees?  Autumn is the season most people associate with the beautiful red color of the maple trees. However, it is not rare to see them bursting into red color right in spring. These flowers are indigenous to North America and grow well in different soils, even marshy and acidic soils.
$24.99
$24.99
Silver Maple Tree - TN Nursery

Silver Maple Tree

The Silver Maple tree is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree native to North America. It is known for its distinctive silver underside of leaves and its adaptability to various soil and moisture conditions. They offer many landscaping advantages, adding aesthetic and functional value to outdoor spaces. These trees are renowned for their impressive size, distinctive foliage, and ecological contributions, making them a popular choice for various landscape designs. The silver maple tree is native to North America. In the wild, it can often be found along rivers and creeks. Arborists and horticulturists know it as the Acer Saccharinum. Its names include water, swamp, Silverleaf, white, and soft maple. It's beloved for its large canopies and foliage. Identifying the Silver Maple Tree (Acer saccharinum) Acer Saccharinum is considered large. It can grow up to 70 feet with a width of 50 feet. Gardeners and landscapers can expect it to grow between three and seven feet per year. The bark is gray and smooth. As it ages, the bark develops lines or stripes. Its leaves grow to lengths of between three and six inches. They are green in the spring and summer, change colors in the fall, and fall to the ground in the winter. Where To Plant Silver Maple Tree  Due to its mature height and spread, the Acer Saccharinum looks best in a large yard. Planting it next to rivers, lakes, or streams is often most beneficial. It also does well in shade gardens, the primary shade-providing plant. Due to its large size, the Acer Saccharinum attracts a variety of wildlife. Birds can often be found around it, including finches, wild turkeys, wood ducks and grosbeaks, squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, beavers, and deer.  What to Plant Next to Silver Maple Tree Acer Saccharinum has a wide canopy and a large spread of roots that grow close to the soil's surface, so it's best to plant greenery and shade-tolerant flowers. Some great plants to grow next to the Acer Saccharinum include Pennsylvania sedge, hepatica, columbine, and Canada violets. If you're a gardener looking to plant at the edges of the canopy, Solomon's seal, columbine, ostrich ferns, and lady ferns make great choices. Silver Maples Are Fast-Growing Trees Silver Maple Trees can add a focal point to large yards and shade gardens. Landscapers and gardeners love them because they grow well around water and provide a lot of shade with their large canopy. What is the difference between a silver maple and a red maple?  The silver maple (Acer saccharinum) has large, basically pentagonal leaves with a silvery irradiation and rather deeply subdivided; the red maple (Acer rubrum) has most rounded leaves that turn bright red in autumn. Further, the growth rate of silver maple is relatively high, and its spread is wider than that of red maple. How Fast Does A Silver Maple Tree Grow  They grow very fast, with 3 to 5 feet growing every year if conditions are favorable. This fast growth makes them good for any large area where one needs a shade faster, like large projects and more.  What is the lifespan of a silver maple?  The silver maple's life ranges between three decades and half a century but can extend to 70 years at times. Because of vigorous growth, silver maples contain a shorter lifespan than other tree species with a gradual growth rate.  Facts About Silver Maple Trees  It is a very tolerant tree, which prefers soil with different pH levels and it can be planted in the middle of cities. Thereby, their striking silvery leaves, besides providing aesthetic value, allow the tree to lose little water and, therefore, thrive in arid environments. Silver maples shed massive amounts of what is known as "helicopter" seeds that spin as they hit the ground.  What are the characteristics of a silver maple tree?  Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) are fast growing deciduous trees with leaves having deep lobes and silver on the back. It can grow up to be between 15-27 meters tall; it has a wide, dome-shaped crown that gives adequate shade. Silver maples are usually chosen due to their toughness and the speed with which the trees are grown.

$26.99
$26.99

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