Maples are a classic and gorgeous group of trees that are cold hardy, fast growing, and low maintenance. This collection of trees has a wide variety of options for the landscape. They add tremendous fall color to your yard.
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Several maples are native to the United States, but this large group of trees grows all over the world. Many maple species are native to Asia, but maples are also found in North America, Europe, and Northern Africa.
Most maple trees can grow about 2 feet per year. Faster growing varieties like silver maple, autumn blaze maple, and October glory maple can grow 3 to 5 feet in a single growing season. Japanese maples are slower growing. While larger varieties can grow as much as a foot or even 2 feet in a single year when they are younger, they may only grow an inch or 2 in height per year when they are older.
Maple trees tend to have fairly long lifespans. Sugar maples tend to have the longest lifespan, living 300 to 400 years. Red maples average around 130 years, but can survive up to 300 years. The fast growing silver maple tends to have the shortest lifespan of the shade maples, averaging about 100 years. Japanese maples can live over 100 years.
If you want to avoid dripping sap prune your maple tree in late spring or summer. This is ideal if you have to perform any heavy pruning. However fall and winter pruning are fine for any minor pruning that is required. Broken, dead, or diseased branches should be removed when you notice them.
Plant maple trees in spring and fall for best results. They can also be planted in winter if the ground is digable. Areas with mild summers can plant in summer. Offer plenty of water when planting in summer to combat stress from heat and acclimation.
Maple trees are no maintenance once they are established. They are adaptable to most soil types, but prefer well-drained soil. Water newly planted maples deeply 2 to 3 times per week for the first couple months. Apply a mound of mulch around young maple trees to reduce watering needs and protect the roots. Maples can be fertilized when planting and in spring with a slow release fertilizer.
Sap begins to flow when daytime temperatures are above freezing and nighttime temperatures are below freezing. This is normally in February and/or March. Sap flows for a little over a month.
Choose a maple tree that is at least 10 inches in diameter. Drill a tap hole with a 7/16 drill bit about 3 feet up your tree. Insert the spout into the tap hole. Be sure it is inserted firmly and cannot be removed by hand. Hang your bucket on the hook of the spout. Your bucket should have a cover to keep out any foreign material.
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