Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) Description:Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) is a classic, long-lived shade tree renowned for its brilliant fall color, dense canopy, and sweet sap used for maple syrup. This majestic, deciduous tree features medium to dark green, 5-lobed leaves in spring and summer, turning spectacular shades of yellow, orange, and red in autumn-making it a standout in any landscape. Sugar Maple is ideal for lawns, parks, and large properties, providing excellent shade and enhancing property value. It is adaptable to a wide range of soils, thrives in full sun to partial shade, and is highly valued for both its beauty and utility. Plant Characteristics: Botanical Name: Acer saccharum Common Name: Sugar Maple Type: Deciduous shade tree Mature Height: 60–80 feet (can reach 100 feet in the wild) Mature Spread: 30–60 feet Growth Habit: Upright, oval to rounded canopy Foliage: Medium to dark green, 5-lobed leaves; brilliant yellow, orange, and red in fall Bark: Gray-brown, smooth when young, becoming rough and furrowed with age Flower Color: Small, yellow-green clusters in spring Fruit: Paired winged samaras (seeds) Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; tolerates clay and loam Water Needs: Moderate; water regularly during establishment, especially in dry spells Hardiness Zones: USDA 3 Maintenance: Low; prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood Resistances: Tolerates urban conditions, drought resistant once established Wildlife: Attracts pollinators and supports local ecosystems; seeds feed birds and small mammals Uses: Shade tree, specimen, lawn tree, park tree, maple syrup production, wildlife gardens
