Maple Tree

Maple Tree Care, Maple Tree Pruning, Maple Tree Diseases Treatments and Tips

There are approximately 125 different maple tree varieties. Maple trees are popular in the northern regions of the United States. Maples are deciduous trees, characterized by opposite leaf arrangement and spectacular fall color. Their flowers are upright and green, yellow or red in color depending on species. Fruit appears in winged clusters which hold the seeds of the lovely, self-pollinating maple tree.

Each variety of maple has different characteristics and site requirements. Red maple trees, for example, are true to their name with red blossoms in the spring, red fruit in summer, scarlet leaves in the fall and crimson bark and twigs in winter. The Red maple tree also thrives in wet soil, so has therefore been dubbed Swamp Maple.

Another variety of maple tree is the Sugar maple, which celebrates autumn with leaves turning shades of yellow, orange and bright red. It has a gray bark and a sensitive root system. Japanese maple is a lovely ornamental that is smaller in size, has interesting branching structure, and displays bright color and year round interest. Maple trees, with their splendid, dense crown, can provide a lifetime of beauty and shade to your landscape.

Size of Tree: Varies greatly based on species, but can grow anywhere from 18 to 80 feet.

Maple Tree Care

Maple trees have shallow root systems, which can lift walkways and driveways as they mature, so be sure to plant them appropriately. Prune, water and fertilize maple trees regularly to maintain optimal health.

Newly planted maple trees will benefit from ArborKelp^®, SavATree’s exclusive seaweed biostimulant fertilizer which aids in tree establishment, promotes root growth and heightens stress tolerance.

Mature and established trees benefit from fertilizer feedings of organic-based macro and micronutrients for the nutrition necessary to sustain their health.

Maple Tree Pruning

Pruning is recommended to maintain desired size and to preserve or improve maple tree structure, vigor and life-span.

Pruning can reduce specific defects or structural problems in a maple tree to greatly lessen the risk of failure. Broken, diseased, or dead branches are typically removed in order to prevent decay-producing fungi from infecting other areas of the tree.

Removal of live branches is occasionally necessary to allow increased exposure to sunlight and circulation of air within the canopy. This assists in reduction of certain diseases. We also advocate the removal of branch stubs to promote successful and proper healing of wounds.

Your SavATree certified arborist is equipped with the latest techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to keep your maple trees healthy, beautiful and safe. Contact us today for information on pruning or any of our other maple tree care services.

Maple Tree Diseases, Pests & Signs

There are several damaging maple tree diseases and pests. Some of the most common are:

Verticillium Wilt – Also called maple wilt, this fungus is a common and serious problem that can kill trees. This infection starts in the root system and works its way up the maple tree, resulting in cankers and dieback. Signs of maple wilt include scorched-looking leaves and diseased branches with unhealthy leaves. Occasionally olive-colored streaks can be found in the sapwood.

Anthracnose – This disease results in extensive defoliation, shoot dieback, and twig death. Often confused with frost damage, signs of anthracnose include brown areas on leaves, canker on the trunk and main branches, and purplish-brown areas along the veins of the leaves.

Tar Spot – This disease affects several maple species and causes large, tar-like spots on the leaves.

Asian Longhorned Beetle – This insect damages the sapwood beneath the bark layer, preventing the tree from properly transporting nutrients and water. Once a tree has an Asian longhorned beetle infestation, it will generally die within 1 to 2 years. Learn more about the Asian longhorned beetle.

Other maple tree diseases and pests include:

• Root rot
• Gall mites
• Cankerworms
• Aphids
• Cottony scale
• Petiole borers
• Leafhoppers
• Boxelder bugs

Many of these insect and disease conditions can weaken the tree and lead to tree death if not treated. If you suspect a problem with your trees, call a SavATree certified arborist right away for an evaluation and treatment options. Our birch tree care experts can help protect your trees and keep your landscape beautiful.

If you’d like to establish maple tree varieties in your landscape, we can connect you with a pre-vetted landscape expert that can help you purchase and plant new maple trees. For a complimentary consultation with a certified arborist, contact the location nearest you.

Diseased photo: Maple -Sapsteak Disease-1399046 by Manfred Mielke, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org