This month, as we enter into the autumn season, we will be highlighting one of our favorite trees for fall color: Sugar Maple.
Botanical Name: Acer saccharum
Characteristics: Considered both a shade tree and an ornamental tree for its vibrant fall foliage in bright yellows, oranges, and reds. Sugar Maples are most commonly known for maple syrup, but also produce excellent wood for timber production. Slow to medium growth rate, growing up to 75 feet tall or more. As the tree ages, the bark becomes furrowed, adding more visual interest. The winged seeds produced annually are called samara.
Hardiness Zone: Zones 3-8
Requirements: Sugar Maples are very adaptable trees that grow in a variety of soils, but thrive most in deep, moist, and well drained soils. Full sun to partial shade are best for these trees.
Pest Susceptibility: Most pests do not cause major damage to the sugar maple, but they are susceptible to borers, aphids, scale and verticillium wilt.
Varieties we recommend: Legacy, Caddo, Fall Fiesta