Sugar Maple Tree

The Sugar maple tree (Acer saccharum) is a moderately growing, cold hardy maple that can take cold snaps down to -30 degrees! This full to partial sun loving tree is a beautiful green during the spring with vibrant colors in the fall season. The sugar maple grows well in USDA zones 3-8, will mature to heights of 55-75 feet tall and anywhere from 30-50 feet wide! Take into account the mature height of the tree when scouting your planting site as these can disrupt power lines. The maple is fairly drought tolerant but is more sought after for its stunning fall beauty and great shade giving abilities.

Location: Tolerant of soggy soils, Sugar maples grow nicely on any fertile soil that is not alkaline in pH. Once established, it tolerates droughts with little harm although infrequent, deep irrigation will help retain more foliage in extremely dry periods, especially in regions with hot summers. Select a spot where the tree is in full to partial sun exposure.

Planting instructions:
1) Make a hole for the maple that’s 2-3 times the width of your tree’s root ball and equal depth.
2) Remove your maple from its container and ensure root moisture.
3) Place your tree in the planting hole, keeping the top of the root ball even with the ground.
4) Spread the roots out evenly and surround them with dirt, tamping down to avoid air pockets, which can dry out the roots of your tree.
5) Fill a small amount of the soil into the hole to maintain the tree’s upright position and water thoroughly.
6) Once the water has absorbed into the root ball and surrounding soil, fill the remaining soil into the planting hole. Pack firmly and water a second time.
7) Mulch to retain soil moisture and keep competing growth away from the planting site.

Watering: During its formative years, your maple will require weekly watering of at least 1½ inches of water. Even as it matures, your tree will still need plenty of water during the summer months. Be sure to water correctly, light green leaves are a sign of over-watering, while drooping leaves signify both over-watering and under-watering.

Fertilization: During the first growing season, use only slow-release fertilizer tablets on your new maple. Refrain from using stronger fertilization methods until your tree becomes more established. Any 10-10-10 fertilizer, such as Miracle Grow will be suitable. Fertilize your maple twice a month when it is coming out of dormancy and once a month during the summer. Discontinue before the tree returns to its dormant state.

Weed Control: Do not permit weeds and lawn any closer than 2-3 feet from your maple in the first year. Pull the weeds initially, and then utilize a growing mat or mulch. Insulate the roots 2-4 inches and replenish as needed. Do not spray pesticides on a young maple, and ensure that wind does not blow chemical drift onto your tree.

Pruning: Since maple trees bleed sap when their branches are cut, the best time to prune is when the leaves have fully matured. At this time, there will be less sap. Remove all dead or dying branches. Do this before you start cutting live branches; it will give you a better idea of what your tree looks like and how many of the live branches you’re going to need to cut. Decide which branches you’re going to cut before you start cutting. Look for large branches growing at narrow angles to the main trunk, branches that are rubbing others or branches that are growing inwards and crossing others. Remove the larger branches. To do this, make the first cut all the way through the branch, at least a foot from the main tree trunk. Use two cuts; the first should begin underneath the branch and go upwards, with the second starting on the top and going down to meet the first. With the weight gone, you can finish cutting the remainder of the branch without struggling with the extra length of the branch.