Maples (Acer spp.)

Maples are excellent deciduous trees for temperate gardens. There are many species and named varieties, so it is possible to select the ideal tree for each garden or landscape situation. Maples can be grown as feature trees, shade trees, avenue or street plantings.

Leaves colour to tones of red, burgundy, yellow, orange and gold depending on the variety chosen and the climate. There are maples with large leaves (such as the sugar and field maples) and others with small leaves (such as some Japanese maples and box elder). Small leaves rarely need to be raked up in autumn as they quickly dry out and disperse. These trees have attractive winged seeds in summer, which rotate like a helicopter when they fall from the tree.

Maples are native to Asia and are especially associated with Japan, but they are also found across North America and Europe. There is a beautiful maple for every garden space, from a Japanese maple in a container to a box elder in a large garden. Check out your local hardware or garden centre for a variety to suit your space and climate.

• Box elder, box maple (Acer negundo) While the species is considered weedy in some areas (check with your local council), this species is one of the easiest maples to grow and colours well, even in warm climates.
  • ‘Sensation’ has a uniform, rounded shape, small leaflets, and red, orange, and yellow colours in autumn (9m high x 6m wide).
  • ‘Flamingo’ has variegated white and green leaves with pink new growth and yellow to brown autumn tones (5mx4m).
• Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) Are attractive small to medium trees with vivid autumn colours. Weeping Japanese maples are ideal for container or courtyard planting. Some varieties also have colourful new leaves in spring.
• Norway maple (Acer platanoides) This is a tall species with large lobed leaves that develop striking colours in autumn. Named varieties are more compact than the species with reliable autumn colour. ‘Crimson Sentry’ has dark purple leaves from spring to summer that develop autumn tones (7mx4m).
• Red maple (Acer rubrum) This is a tall species with large lobed leaves and striking autumn colour. Look for named varieties that tend to be more compact than the species with superb autumn colour including lipstick maple (A. rubrum ‘October Glory) with bright red autumn foliage (12mx9m).
• Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) Is the national symbol of Canada, and the maple is harvested for maple syrup. It is a tall (25 metres x 20 metres) pale-barked deciduous tree with an attractive, pear-shaped outline. A hardy tree, it has large green maple leaves which will turn a brilliant yellow to orange and red in autumn.

Growing conditions

Aspect All maples need a bright, sunny location, but Japanese maples, which often have fine leaves, benefit from protection from hot sun.

Soil Maples grow best in rich, acidic, deep soils. These trees grow in a wide range of soils but must have reliable moisture and good free-drainage soil. Before planting add homemade compost and organic matter and/or Seasol Super Compost. In a container use good quality premium potting mix such as Seasol Advanced Potting Mix. Use organic mulch over the root area to help keep the soil cool and moist.

Climate Maples prefer a cool temperate climate and are frost tolerant. Some species tolerate warm climates and develop leaf colour even in areas with mild autumn and winter temperatures. Leaf colour is best with cold autumn conditions and good rainfall through summer.

General care

Watering Water regularly especially through summer or in prolonged dry periods to encourage good growth. Young trees should be kept well-watered after planting. Always check water needs for containerised plants. Apply Seasol at planting to aid plant establishment and regularly once a fortnight throughout the growing season for healthy growth and to help reduce stress from heat and drought.

Feeding and mulching Maples can be fed via your preferred method, either liquid or granular food or a combination of both, depending on your tree variety. Keep plants flourishing with a granular fertiliser such as Seasol plus Nutrients All Purpose including Natives every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season. Spread under the dripline of the tree (the area at the edge of the foliage canopy) as this is where the feeder roots are located. Remember to water it in thoroughly after application. If you prefer liquid feeding, apply PowerFeed All Purpose including Natives every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season, around the drip line of the tree’s canopy.

Mulch with organic mulch such as leaf mulch (keep mulches away from the tree trunk). Mulch under trees to deter weed competition and retain moisture. Don’t build mulch up around the trunk as this can cause fungal problems for the tree. The leaves dropped by maples in autumn and winter can be composted to use as garden mulch or a soil additive known as leaf mould.

Pruning Little pruning is needed except for shape, to remove damaged growth or to control height and spread. If pruning is required, prune in winter. Choose planting a position to match the mature height and width of the tree.

Watch out Maples have few pest or disease problems, but watch out for:

• Aphids may attack new growth, especially in spring. Check the foliage for aphids and hose-off or spray with the appropriate product such as EarthCare White Oil Insect spray. Remember to spray both sides of the foliage and repeat 14 days later if necessary.
• Possums may damage growth, particularly in spring. Protect new growth by covering or using barriers to exclude possums.
• Scale can attack a tree of any age, they are usually found in young trees. They are present as tiny, black bumps or cottony dots on twigs and leaves. Remove the scale by hand (wear gloves) or for an infestation use EarthCare White Oil Insect spray.