How To Plant Maple Trees: Complete Guide
The mighty Maple has graced front and back yards and has been a beloved fall color and shade tree for centuries! Learn everything you need to know about planting and caring for these magnificent trees.
At first glance, the easily recognizable leaves and fall color of tall Maple trees take our breath away far enough that we instantly decide then and there that a few would look absolutely incredible when planted in your landscape.
- Make Room For The Maple
- The Biggest Consideration - Roots!
- Top Maples At Nature Hills:
- Planting A Maple Tree In 6 Easy Steps
- Maple Tree After Planting Care
No one can overlook the regal Maple (genus Acer), and you'll find a stunning selection of Maple trees for sale at Nature Hills Nursery. We're proud to offer the most popular species of beautiful Maples for sale in the United States:
- Sugar Maple
- Red Maple
- Silver Maple
- Japanese Maple
- Norway Maple
- Black Maple
One of their most enduring features is the fall foliage, which turns such beautiful fall colors. Bronze, oranges, yellows, reds, and purples burst out in the fall, creating wonderful landscape views.
All this, lush shade plus delicious Maple syrup too!
Make Room For The Maple
Planting Maple trees may seem like a very straightforward process. It is similar to the act of planting most other trees. But there are a few very important things to first consider before purchasing and planting a Maple!
The Biggest Consideration - Roots!
Root System Facts
You'll get a great balance of strength and speed with the Maple tree! All varieties of Maple trees will be the show-stoppers of the fall season and continue shining green in summer and spring.
But what people fail to notice is that some Maple trees have extensive root systems! Some Maple trees, like the fast-growing Silver Maple, have aggressive root systems that can be close to the surface and should be planted away from sidewalks or foundations.
Spacing Formula
Spacing is key for a healthy plant. Find a tree's mature width and divide it by half. This is roughly how far from a sidewalk, driveway, your home's foundation, or underground system (Sprinkler/Septic/Cistern, etc.) the tree should be planted to avoid any future heartache.
Some Maples also tend to grow roots near the surface, with instances of them peaking above the soil. This makes potentially damaging the drip line of your tree easier. Spread mulch under the canopy to cover any roots close to the surface instead of trying to grow grass. Mowing over them may end up hurting your tree in the long run.
Fast-growing Maples get quite large and need room to spread both above and below ground to appreciate their glistening leaves in their full glory!
Timing and Location
While you can plant a Maple tree anytime the ground isn't frozen, many prefer to plant in the early spring or fall. The cooler air temperatures slow down the top growth of the plants, so cool air + warm soil = new roots.
Nature Hills has an extensive collection that grows in a wide range of areas, spanning from zones 3 through 10. Head over to each Maple’s Plant Highlights page to find its width and mature height so you’ll know which variety will work for you and your space.
Top Maples At Nature Hills:
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Autumn Blaze® Maple: Fast-growing hybrid with brilliant scarlet-red fall foliage and a strong branching habit.
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Norway Maple: Hardy shade tree with dense canopy, golden-yellow fall color, and urban pollution tolerance.
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Japanese Red Maple: An elegant small tree with finely cut red leaves that hold color through summer.
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Bloodgood Japanese Maple: Deep burgundy foliage, graceful shape, and exceptional year-round interest.
- Coral Bark Maple: Four-season beauty with green summer leaves, golden fall color, and striking coral-red winter bark.
Once you find the right tree for your growing zone and location, it's time to make sure that the location is right for a tree:
- Sunlight Requirements: Maples need full sun, and a few do well in partial sun. Choose a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
- Soil Conditions: Choose an area with deep, enriched, and very well-drained soil.
- Root Support: When ordering, don't forget to order the Nature Hills Root Booster for lifelong support at the roots.
Planting A Maple Tree In 6 Easy Steps
- Prep the roots: Once you receive your tree, follow the included instructions to prep your root system for planting. Soak the roots to rehydrate them after their journey.
- Prepare the hole: Dig an area twice the width of your new tree’s root system, keeping the depth the same as it was when in its nursery container. (Read why planting too deep is bad here.)
- Water and nutrients: Fill the hole with water, let it soak, then sprinkle in the Root Booster.
- Position the tree: Remove the tree from its container or bag, and set it into the hole. Adjust the soil so the root depth is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill: Use native topsoil and tamp down to remove air pockets.
- Water and mulch: Water thoroughly, let it drain, then water again. Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch over the soil surface.
Extra planting tips:
- Stake young Maple trees if needed to protect them from wind.
- Use trunk protection in winter to guard against deer and rodents.
- Apply deer repellent during the growing season to train deer to avoid your tree.
Maple Tree After Planting Care
Watering Guidelines: Use the Finger Test Method to decide when to water during the first year. If the soil is moist a few inches down, skip watering and check the next day. If dry, water deeply. In summer heat, you may need to water twice a day.
Seasonal Watering: Even after establishing, water during droughts and before winter to keep roots hydrated before dormancy.
Pruning Tips: Prune Maples after they leaf out to avoid dripping sap. Shape with strategic cuts for a balanced, open canopy and one main leader. Ensure good air circulation and sunlight penetration.
Happy Maple Trees From Day One!
As one of the most beloved trees in our online nursery, it's tough to go wrong with a stately Maple. From their breathtaking fall color to their cooling summer shade, Maples bring a timeless beauty to any landscape.
When given the right space, soil, and care from the very beginning, your Maple can thrive for decades, becoming a cherished part of your yard and a seasonal highlight year after year.
Whether you dream of tapping your own syrup or simply enjoying the glowing leaves each autumn, planting a Maple is a rewarding investment in both beauty and legacy.
Happy Planting!
