Sugar Maple Trees are best known for their bright fall foliage and being the primary syrup source; they are native to the northeast United States. The deciduous type can reach heights of 80-115 feet tall, sometimes exceptionally reaching 148 feet. At ten years old, it usually is about 16 feet tall. When healthy, these can live for over 400 years. The leaves are deciduous, with up to 20 cm of length and equal width and five palmate lobes.
The Sugar Maple Tree Loves Acidic Soil
They can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 3-8. The Acer saccharum prefers deep, acidic to slightly alkaline, and well-drained soil. It has moderate drought tolerance but prefers moist soil conditions. At maturity, the acer saccharum grows to 60-75 feet, with a crown of 40-50 feet. It has a slow to medium growth rate and increases in height anywhere from less than 12 inches to 24 inches per year.
Sugar Maple Tree Is Good For Shade And Decor
It's both an ornamental and a shade type; it features a spreading canopy that can block sunlight while adding beauty and visual interest to landscaping. Full sun and partial shade are best for them, and they prefer at least four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily.
Sugar Maple Tree Has Stunning Orange Foliage In The Fall
The sugar maple tree puts on quite a show in the fall, with beautiful leaves turning red, yellow, and burnt orange. In wildlife, they are commonly browsed by moose, white-tailed deer, and snowshoe hare. The seeds, twigs, leaves, and buds feed squirrels. Since it is fast-growing, easy to transplant, and has beautiful color, the sugar maple tree was a favorite type for streets and parks in the 19th century. Ultimately, it proved too delicate to continue in that role, but it is still great for commercial use in syrup production.