Maple, Sugar

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

A long-lived shade tree for well-drained woodland soils and future sugarbush plantings. Fall color is variable among seedlings, and tapping belongs to the tree's mature years.

Key Characteristics

A future syrup tree

Sugar maple sap is traditionally boiled into syrup. Grow a healthy tree first; these young seedlings are many years from an appropriate tapping size.

Wood and Traditional Uses

Along with maple syrup and sugar, this tree supplies hard wood traditionally used for flooring and furniture. Keep the long time scale in mind when planting a future sugarbush.

Food and shelter beyond sap

Seeds feed birds and small mammals, and maple leaves host imperial moth caterpillars. Older trees can develop cavities used by nesting wildlife.

Protect the root environment

Choose moist, well-drained soil rather than a regularly flooded position. Avoid road-salt exposure and soil compaction; compare Silver Maple for a wetter landscape.

Product Details

• Native range: Eastern and central North America
• Life cycle: Deciduous woody perennial tree
• Sun: Full Sun; Part Sun/Shade; Full Shade
• Soil moisture: Medium-Dry; Medium
• Mature height: 40–80 feet; varies with seedling and site
• Bloom time: April–May
• Bloom color: Green, Yellow
• USDA hardiness zones: 3–8
• Fruit or seed: Paired winged seeds eaten by birds and small mammals.
• Pollination: Wind and insects move pollen; multiple seedlings add diversity to a grove.

Planting and Ongoing Care

Water the container root ball before planting and check for circling roots. Water during establishment, mulch clear of the trunk, and protect young trees from browsing and mowing damage. Base fertilizer decisions on a soil test.

Prevent drought stress, road-salt exposure, and root damage. Inspect declining crowns for disease or borers before treatment. Avoid insecticides on open flowers. Growth, flowering, and seasonal timing vary with the individual tree and site.