In the United States, most maple species are best suited to USDA Zones 3-8, an area that covers most of the continental U. S. As a few specific examples, Japanese maples prefer Zones 5-8, silver maples prefer Zones 3-9, and crimson king maples prefer Zones 3-7. [2] X Research source One of the most widespread American maple species, the red maple (acer rubrum), averages 50 ft (15 m) in height and 30 ft (9. 1 m) in canopy spread at maturity. [3] X Research source
Overhanging limbs can clog gutters with leaves and cause damage in storms. Also, the root system of a tree extends underground at least as far as the canopy, and roots can cause damage to your home’s foundation. Make sure there are no overhead or underground utility lines in the area of both the mature leaf canopy and root system (roughly equivalent to the canopy). Contact your local utilities to mark their underground lines before digging!
If a maple tree is exposed to intense, direct sunshine for too long, its leaves may shrivel and fall off. [7] X Expert Source Michael Simpson, PhDRegistered Professional Biologist Expert Interview. 25 June 2021. Some maple varieties do have slightly different sunlight needs. For example, Norway maples can handle some partial shade, coral bark maples can deal with some light shading, and paperbark maples need full sunlight. [8] X Research source
If it takes longer than 15 minutes to drain, the soil isn’t ideal for a maple. Anything longer than 60 minutes is definitely not good for a maple. Soil that drains in less than 5 minutes is okay for a maple, but the tree may require more frequent watering as it gets established.
You can purchase a pH test kit at your local garden center. If the soil pH is outside the 5. 0 to 7. 0 range, you’ll have better luck planting another species of tree. Soil pH can be adjusted with amendments, but it is very difficult to maintain a consistently altered pH for the life of a tree—especially since maples can live for 100-300 years![14] X Research source
In some climates, fall is definitely the best time to plant a maple, while spring is the ideal time in other climates. Your best bet is to consult a pro at a local plant nursery or agricultural extension office. [16] X Research source
This hole depth may end up being a bit too deep when it comes time to position the tree, but it’s easier to dig the hole a bit deeper now and backfill it as needed. If the soil is heavy clay, scrape channels into the side walls and bottom of the hole with a hand rake or the tip of a dirt shovel. Doing so will make it easier for water and tree roots to penetrate the clay.
If the root ball is instead wrapped in burlap, simply cut away the burlap with garden shears and then loosen the root tips. A bare-root tree requires minimal if any root preparation. Simply loosen up any root tips that are packed together.
If the soil drainage is less-than-ideal, aim to have up to one-third of the root ball above ground level. In this case, lift out the tree, shovel in some of the dirt you removed, replace the tree, and keep fine-tuning as needed.
Remove any rocks from the backfill while you’re at it! Improving the soil this way will help the tree flourish early on and ease its transition into the native soil.
If you have a helper, have them hold the tree trunk to keep it completely upright. If you’re working solo, try to hold the trunk with one hand while backfilling with the other. If the top of the root system is above ground level, mound up just enough soil to cover the exposed roots with a couple of inches/centimeters of dirt.
If the top of the root ball is above ground level, tamp the small amount of soil that’s covering it very lightly.
This depth and spread of mulch is sufficient to hold in moisture and limit weed growth—adding more isn’t necessary. If you pile up mulch against the trunk, the wet mulch may cause rot on the tree bark and potentially kill your newly-planted maple. Fertilizer may give the tree a boost, but digging mulch or a light layer of moss peat into the surface around the trunk each growing season is more beneficial as it adds a small amount of organic matter and helps to hold moisture in the soil. [24] X Expert Source Michael Simpson, PhDRegistered Professional Biologist Expert Interview. 25 June 2021.
Water the tree as needed for at least the first year after planting it. You might, for instance, have to add 3–4 US gal (11–15 L) of water twice per week. If the tree branches and leaves start to wilt on your maple tree, it is not getting enough water.
Remove the stakes after the first year of growth after planting. Otherwise, they may restrict trunk growth.
During the spring, prune any branches that are sprouting near the soil line. In summer, prune dead, damaged, or twisted branches, as well as branches you want to remove for aesthetic purposes. In winter, do another round of pruning similar to that done in the summer. [28] X Research source
Maples are typically fairly resilient against insect damage, but they are susceptible to bark damage from wildlife such as deer. Consider loosely wrapping plastic or metal fencing around the trunk if you see missing bark or other signs of damage. Diseases may cause spotting on the leaves, bark damage, or other issues. Consult an arborist if you suspect signs of disease.
