Sugar Maple — Acer saccharum

Overview: Iconic, long-lived native shade tree with a broad, rounded crown. Renowned for brilliant fall color—gold to orange and fiery red—and for sap used to make maple syrup. Strong-limbed, dignified presence for large landscapes.

Size & habit: 50–75′ tall × 40–60′ wide at maturity; straight trunk, broad-oval canopy; dense shade.

Growth rate: Slow–moderate (typically 8–18″ per year once established).

Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–8.

Light: Full sun to light shade (best color and form in full sun).

Soil & water: Prefers deep, moist, well-drained loams; slightly acidic to neutral pH. Sensitive to soil compaction, prolonged drought, and road salt. Provide consistent moisture during establishment.

Leaves, flowers, fruit & bark:

• Leaves: 5-lobed, medium green; spectacular fall colors from yellow to orange-red (site- and seed-source dependent).

• Flowers: Small yellow-green clusters in early spring (often before full leaf-out).

• Fruit: Paired samaras that mature in fall (distinct from red maple’s spring samaras).

• Bark: Gray and smooth when young, becoming furrowed and plated with age.

Tolerance / concerns:

• Tolerant: Cold; performs best on cool, moist, well-drained sites.

• Sensitive: Urban stress (heat, pavement), high-pH soils (possible chlorosis), salt, and drought (leaf scorch).

• Pests/diseases: Generally durable; possible tar spot, anthracnose in wet springs, verticillium wilt on stressed trees; Asian longhorned beetle is a serious quarantined pest where present. Avoid trunk injury and keep soil uncompacted.

Pruning: Train early for strong, well-spaced scaffolds. Best timing mid-summer or mid-winter; avoid heavy spring cuts due to sap “bleed.” Do not top.

Transplanting: Moves best when young (container or small B&B). Water deeply the first 2–3 seasons and maintain a wide mulch ring (2–3″, kept off the trunk).

Landscape uses: Large shade tree for lawns and parks, estate drives/allees, habitat plantings (nectar/pollen early, seeds for wildlife), and ornamental fall display.

Spacing / clearance: Plant 35–50 ft from buildings; allow 8–10 ft minimum from pavements; avoid overhead utility conflicts.