Sugar maple
Acer saccharum · Sapindaceae
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The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around sugar maple and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Type
- Deciduous tree
- Adult height
- 20 to 30 m
- Foliage
- Deciduous, turning scarlet red in autumn
- Flowering
- April to May, discreet yellow-green flowers
- Hardiness
- Excellent, down to -40 °C
- Origin
- North America (Canada, United States)
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Acer saccharum needs careful installation: clear ground space (minimum 1 m radius), fresh soil without lime and well-aerated.
The common mistake
Compacting it at soil level by over-protecting it or placing it near hot paved areas where soil stays compact.
The pro's trick
This maple hates stakes: plant it freely and let it sway slightly during the first two years, it'll strengthen itself.
Care
Exposure
The sugar maple prefers a sunny to semi-shaded location. It tolerates partial shade, particularly in warm climates where it limits evaporation. Be sure to protect it from strong winds that can damage its canopy.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year to establish a robust root system. Once established, natural watering is usually sufficient. During prolonged dry periods, keep the soil moist without creating waterlogging.
Soil
The sugar maple appreciates deep, well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. It adapts to various soil types but thrives better in fertile soil. Enrich the soil mix with compost when planting.
Fertilizer and nutrition
Once established, it is undemanding—an annual application of compost at the base is sufficient. Light fertilization in spring promotes vigor. Avoid excess nitrogen, which slows autumn coloration.
Pruning and shaping
Prune in late autumn or winter (before sap rises), mainly to remove dead or poorly oriented branches. Avoid pruning in spring as the maple bleeds heavily. Light work every 3 to 4 years maintains a beautiful shape.
Pests and diseases
Generally hardy, the sugar maple can be affected by some fungal diseases in very humid conditions. Watch for scale insects and mites in case of water stress. Good air circulation prevents most problems.
Did you know?
The sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is the emblem of Canada and appears on its flag. Traditionally, Indigenous peoples and then North American colonists exploited its sap to produce maple syrup by boiling dozens of liters of sap to obtain a few liters of sweet nectar—an ancient practice still thriving today.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Japanese mapleAcer palmatum
- Sycamore mapleAcer pseudoplatanus
- Norway mapleAcer platanoides
- Field mapleAcer campestre
- Marronnier dindeAesculus hippocastanum
- Box elderAcer negundo
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.