Sugar Maple Tree

Sugar Maple Tree

Sugar maple trees are one of North America’s treasures that are native to the East, Midwest, and parts of Canada. Not only do they produce the delicious, valuable maple syrup, but they are also very shade tolerant (they can grow in the shade of other trees), provide benefits to the wildlife, and have dazzling colors in the fall. Sugar maples have the powerful tendency of hydraulic lift, meaning during droughts they can take the water from the deeper soil layers and release them into the upper soil layers. Therefore surrounding plants benefit a lot from this act. 

Historically and even to this day, people use sugar maples for making soap, using the bark as a dye and treating coughs and diarrhea, drinking the sap as a spring tonic, and taking the syrup for liver and kidney problems. In fact Native Americans used the sugar maple for barter.

Growing Characteristics

• Uses: The sugar maple has many uses, including maple syrup, shade, and medicinal purposes. For example, the Mohegans use the inner bark as a cough remedy and sweetening agent.
• Size/Shape: At maturity this tree can reach 60′ to 75′ tall with a spread of 40′-50′. It will have a round/oval shape.
• Color: During the fall, these trees become brilliant shades of yellow, burnt orange and red.
• Hardiness Zones: 3 – 8
• Pests and Diseases
  • Some of the diseases and pests it is suscpetible to include
    • Anthracnose
    • Bacterial leaf scorch (red maple)
    • Bleeding canker
    • Fomes root rot
    • Powdery mildew
  • For more information and tips for management, go to Penn State Extension’s page on Maple Diseases.
    • https://extension.psu.edu/maple-diseases 
• Bloom Period: These trees bloom in early April and late May.
• Pollination: They can self-pollinate since they produce male and female flowers.
• Cultivation: If you plant in full/partial sun and in a location with ample space for its growth, then the sugar maple will be happy and grow about 1-2 feet in height. However do not plant in areas where salt is a problem and also be sure to irrigate/water during droughts. 
• Soil Preference: The sugar maple tree grows in deep, well-drained, acidic to slightly alkaline soil. 
• Wildlife Value: Animals such as white-tailed deer, moose, snowshoe hare and squirrels love the sugar maple.

Check out our guides page for information on how to take care of trees.