Sugar Maple

This wonderful shade tree is undoubtedly the largest and finest of our native maples. Slow to medium in growth rate and very hardy, it prefers rich, well-drained soil. Fall color is simply spectacular, ranging from rich, brilliant yellows to all shades of oranges and red.

The sugar maple is a large spreading tree that is good for the yard or in certain cases in windbreaks. This tree is native in Zone 4-8 and can survive in almost total shade when small, waiting for a chance to grow if it can get some sunlight. It grows best in well-drained soil on a north slope. It will not do well in clay soils or soil that has been compacted by new construction. It is very sensitive to being planted too deep so this is very important if planting this tree. The bark on smaller trees is subject to sunscald during the winter when planted in the open.

If wanting to plant this tree, be well aware of the problems with soils and planting depth. Its beauty in the fall makes it a favorite plant, and its wood is very strong. If used as a yard tree, it can be very nice but does have a heavy leaf drop so will take lots of raking in the fall.

Should not be used in any windbreak that also has evergreen trees, as with the large seed population in the fall and being able to grow in the shade you will have large numbers (thousands) of these trees growing under and threw your evergreens eventually shading them out if not removed.

For a deciduous windbreak recommend putting them with other species and spacing them 12-20 ft apart in a single row. If wanting to use deciduous trees for a windbreak contact us on what is currently working best for your situation.