Norway Maple Tree

Norway Maple Tree Overview

Norway Maple tree (Acer platanoides) is a round shaped deciduous tree, which is 40′-50′ tall and can reach up to 90′ tall. A species of maple native to eastern and central Europe as well as Western Asia. First brought to North America as a shade tree in the mid 1700’s. In ideal conditions, the trees can live for 250 years, however most of the time they live shorter lifespans of 60 years or so.

Norway maple trees have a variety of uses. Commonly used as furniture and flooring as its wood is hard with yellow/white to pale red in color. It is also used as a street, park or shade tree.

While recommended to grow in cold hardiness zones 4 to 7, the trees can grow well in warmer environments above hardiness zone 7. Norway Maple trees are a good choice for an ornamental tree because they have a tall trunk and can tolerate poor soils and urban pollution. Note that because the rooots of the tree grow close to the ground it can take away moisture from other plants. Lawn grass and weeds may not grow under Norway Maple trees. In some states it is considered an invasive species.

Tree Characteristics

• Uses: street, park and shade tree, wood used for furniture and flooring
• Size: Large sized tree with height of 40 to 50 ft. and spread of 35-50 ft. when reach maturity
• Growth: Fast growth rate
• Sun Conditions: Best grown in full sun (about 6 hours of sun) or partial shade (about 4 hours of sun).
• Soil Conditions: Grows well in moist well drained soils. Can tolerate dry sites, drought, flooding, alkaline soils.
• Hardiness Zones: 4 to 7 (recommended), but can grow in hardiness zones 8 and 9 as well