Maple (Sugar)

📖 About This Plant

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) is the iconic tree of northeastern North America, celebrated for two spectacular seasons: the spectacular fall foliage display — arguably the finest autumn colour of any temperate tree, ranging from bright yellow through orange to deep crimson on the same tree — and its sugary sap that yields maple syrup, requiring approximately 40 gallons of raw sap to produce just one gallon of finished syrup. Sugar Maple is a long-lived, stately shade tree reaching 60–80 feet tall with an equal spread, providing a complete canopy canopy that turns any yard into a garden over decades. It is the national tree of Canada, prominent on the Canadian flag, and the basis of the entire maple syrup industry concentrated in Quebec, Ontario, Vermont, and New York. Beyond its ornamental and culinary significance, Sugar Maple timber is prized for hardwood flooring, furniture, and bowling lanes.

📊 Quick Facts

📅 When to Plant in Your Area

🌱 Care Tips

Plant Sugar Maple in a site with well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–7.0) and full sun to partial shade — it tolerates more shade than most large trees, growing happily at the edge of a woodland canopy. The most important siting consideration is air quality: Sugar Maple is moderately sensitive to road salt and air pollution, making it a poor choice for street planting in northern urban areas but excellent for suburban and rural properties. Plant young trees in fall for best establishment. Stake for the first year only in windy sites. Water regularly through the first two growing seasons; established trees are moderately drought-tolerant but perform best with consistent moisture. Fertilize lightly in early spring if the tree shows slow growth or pale foliage; established Sugar Maples in good soil require little supplemental feeding. Do not compact the soil around the root zone — surface root feeders are particularly vulnerable to soil compaction from foot traffic, construction equipment, or paving installed after planting. To tap for maple syrup: drill 5/16-inch holes 2 inches deep into trunks at least 12 inches in diameter during late winter (late January through March in most zones), when nighttime temperatures drop below freezing and daytime temps rise above 40°F.

🤝 Companion Plants

These plants grow well alongside Maple:

🌿 Related Tree

More tree that grow in similar conditions:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions