There are several damaging maple tree diseases and pests. Mature and established trees benefit from fertilizer feedings of organic-based macro and micronutrients for the nutrition necessary to sustain their health. If you’d like to establish maple tree varieties in your landscape, we can connect you with a vetted landscape expert who can help you purchase and plant new maple trees. This aids in tree establishment, promotes root growth, and heightens stress tolerance. Newly planted maple trees will benefit from a root enhancer like ArborKelp®, SavATree’s exclusive seaweed biostimulant fertilizer. Prune, water, and fertilize maple trees regularly to maintain optimal health. Maples tend to have shallow root systems, which can lift walkways and driveways as they mature, so be sure to plant them appropriately. They’re known for their interesting branching structure, bright color, and year-round interest. Japanese maples are lovely ornamentals, meaning that they remain smaller in size. Their sap is also the source of maple syrup. They have a gray bark and a sensitive root system. Sugar maples turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and bright red in the fall. Red maple trees thrive in wet soil, and are also sometimes called swamp maples. Red maple trees have red blossoms in the spring, red fruit in summer, scarlet leaves in the fall and crimson bark and twigs in winter. Some of the most common varieties include: The size of the tree varies by species, but they can grow anywhere from 18 to 80 feet. There are approximately 125 maple tree varieties, and each one has different characteristics and site requirements. The flowers are upright and green, yellow, or red in color depending on species, and the fruit appears in winged clusters which hold the seeds of this self-pollinating tree. Maples are deciduous trees characterized by opposite leaf arrangement and spectacular fall color.
Ingesting the leaves or branches causes the hemoglobin to oxidize.Tree Service | Professional Tree Care | Lawn Care Preventing disease is the first defense to avoid problems.Īmerican red maples are toxic for horses only. Verticillium wilt is also a known enemy, and unfortunately, there is no treatment.
Applying a fungicide such as Bonide’s Copper Fungicide works well.
Fungal infections such as canker, anthracnose, tar spot, and leaf spot are common in American red maples. Using neem oil to fend off bugs should suffice. Pests, diseases, and animalsĪphids, borers, and scale insects can be problematic. When trimming branches, cut as close to the trunk as possible. Trim sprouts along the trunk near the ground. Aggressive pruning should be reserved for mature trees (young trees cannot tolerate excessive pruning). Be sure to use sharp, disinfected shears. You should only prune in early fall to avoid damaging the tree. However, if there are dead, broken, or hanging branches (touching the ground, structure, or power line), they will need to be trimmed. Once a tree has been fertilized, seeds resembling helicopters develop and whirl down to the ground. The pollinators and the wind carry pollen between the trees. During this time, various bees, small wasps, and flies visit the flowers. Once a tree blooms, the flowers last for one to two weeks. Female trees put forth dark pink flowers. You can easily identify a male tree because the flowers are yellowish-pink. PollinationĪmerican red maples are one of the first trees to bloom each year.
Amending the soil can be done by adding compost and sulfur. Soil pH should be within a range of 4.5 to 6.5. Pulling the soil and mulch away from the base of your tree will allow the root collar to continue absorbing oxygen.įertilize every other year in early spring with a slow-release general fertilizer. Maintaining a thick layer of mulch around the trunk will help retain moisture - just make sure you don’t cover up the root collar, as this can lead to disease and possibly death. The tree prefers moist soil, so if you live in a warm and arid climate, routine watering may be necessary. Dig a hole two feet wider than the root ball and deep enough to adequately cover the rootball. sandy and clay soil.) The roots tend to break through the surface of the ground, so avoid planting near structures, sidewalks, and driveways.
When planting, select an area that gets full sun, partial shade, and is well-drained (e.g.
By Jo Cosgrove | Ecological Gardener, Horticulturist, and Educator – last update on December 2, 2021Īmerican red maple trees are very sensitive to salt and should never be planted near a street or area that is salted during the winter.