Maple Trees

Info

Acer is a genus of trees or shrubs commonly known as Maple. Maples are variously classified in a family of their own, the Aceraceae. There are approximately 125 species, most of which are native to Asia, but several species also occur in Europe, northern Africa, and North America.

Maples are distinguished by opposite leaf arrangement. The leaves in most species are palmate veined and lobed, with 3-9 veins each leading to a lobe, one of which is central or apical. Maple flowers are green, yellow, orange or red. Though individually small, the effect of an entire tree in flower can be striking in several species. Some maples are an early spring source of pollen and nectar for bees. The distinctive fruit are called samaras; these seeds occur in distinctive pairs each containing one seed enclosed in a "nutlet" attached to a flattened wing of fibrous, papery tissue. They are shaped to spin as they fall and to carry the seeds a considerable distance on the wind. Seed maturation is usually in a few weeks to six months after flowering.

Varieties

  • Autumn Blaze

    Can grow in a wide range of climates from Wisconsin to central Florida. Tolerates clay soil and will withstand wet soil conditions and drought. The growth rate is about four times faster than that of a red maple. capable of growing 50’ tall and 40’ wide. Spectacular fall color.

  • Autumn Flame

    Round shape, fast grower with strong wood, reaching a height of 45-50’. Has a spread of 35-50’. Used in highway medians, as a screen, shade, and streets without sidewalks. Showy red, yellow fall leaves.

  • October Glory

    An oval to rounded shape and is a fast grower with strong wood, reaching a height of 40-50’. Most popular Red Maples in cultivation probably due to their dependable fall color and vigorous growth. A good choice and a superior shade tree for your home. Brilliant orange to crimson red fall foliage.

  • Red Sunset Maple

    Strong wood and a rapid grower, reaching a height of 50’ with a spread of 25-35’. Vigorous tree with an upright, oval growth habit. Lobed, star shaped, orange-red showy fall foliage. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Excellent choice for lawn or street planting.

Care and Maintenance

  1. Preparing the Hole

    Dig the hole as deep as the root ball, and as much as three times as wide as the diameter of the root ball. Breaking up the soil around the tree provides the newly emerging roots room to grow into loose soil to hasten establishment.

  2. Placing Your Tree

    Place the tree carefully in the center of the hole after removing it from the container. The tree's root collar (the bulge right above the root system) should be just above the top of the soil. Don't dig the hole too deep. It is better if the root collar is slightly (1 to 2") higher than ground level because of possible setting.

  3. Filling the Hole

    Carefully fill the hole with soil when the tree is positioned and straight. Fill the hole about 1/3 full and lightly push the soil around the base of the root ball. Fill the remainder of the hole taking care to gently but firmly pack soil to eliminate air pockets that may cause the roots to dry out. Don't plant the tree too deep. Back fill the soil to the height just below the root collar.

  4. Mulching

    Place 2 to 4 inches of mulch in a 2 to 3 foot circle around the tree. Keep the mulch from touching the trunk to keep fungus from growing on the trunk. Mulch can be aged wood chips or bark. Mulch helps keep roots moist and insulates them, and prevents weed growth. It is not recommended to apply fertilizer at the time of planting.

  5. Watering

    Water the tree well as soon as you plant it. Water the tree at least once a week for the first year after planting. A slow, root-saturating, one-hour trickle once a week is recommended for a new tree. The watering schedule should be adjusted accordingly if it rains or is very dry.