Sugar Maple Tree

Acer saccharum

Nature Hills Nursery

Harvest Your Own Maple Syrup from this Cold-Hardy Sugar Maple Tree
Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 50-70 ft Tall, 30-45 ft Wide
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies
Stunning Yellow, Orange & Red Fall Foliage

$97⁹⁰

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Plant Size

#3 Container 4-5 Feet

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to achieve the most vibrant orange and red fall colors. While this tree can tolerate partial shade, especially when young, full sun promotes a fuller, more symmetrical canopy.
Soil: Choose a site with deep, well-drained, slightly acidic soil that stays cool and moist. Avoid planting near driveways or roads where salt runoff occurs, as Sugar Maples are sensitive to road salt and compacted soil conditions.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply and regularly during the first few growing seasons to encourage the deep root system to establish. While established trees have some drought tolerance, inconsistent watering during summer heat can lead to leaf scorch or premature leaf drop.

Pruning Tips

Plan your structural pruning for late winter while the tree is fully dormant. Be aware that cuts made in late winter may "bleed" sap as temperatures rise, but this does not harm the tree; simply remove crossing branches or those with narrow angles to ensure a strong structure against wind damage.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release, granular fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs in early spring just as new growth begins. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the growing season, as this encourages soft growth that will not have time to harden off before winter frost.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Fall Color/Interest, Clay Tolerant, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	50-70 ft
Width	30-45 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Fast
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Yellow
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Maple
Botanical Name	Acer saccharum
Species	saccharum
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Outstanding Fall Color, Sweet as Sugar Maple Syrup

Yellow, Orange & Red Autumn Colors
Edible Sweet Sap - Makes Scrumptious Maple Syrup
Fast Growing
Supports Nesting Birds
Cold-Hardy

The Sugar Maple Tree (Acer saccharum) is a deciduous tree known for its brilliant fall colors and sap that is the primary source of maple syrup. For over 300 years, the Sugar Maple has played an important part in the diet of many Americans.

The native Americans who had been enjoying the attributes of this wonderful fruitful plant for centuries, were quick to share it with the early North American settlers. John Smith, leader of the Virginia Colony at Jamestown in the early 1600s, was one of the first to report about this tree that produced an outstanding sugar substitute.

When the dark green leaves turn a vivid eye-catching yellow, red, and orange in autumn, you'll understand why Sugar Maple is best known for its spectacular fall beauty. Imagine flaming crimson, burnt orange, and brilliant yellow displayed on the Sugar Maple Tree all at the same time!

The effect of the variety of changing colors will dazzle you and your neighbors. It is one of the most remarkable fall displays of color you will see in your neighborhood.

Sugar Maples are one of the most incredible landscape trees available for several reasons. They quickly grow straight and true with a rounded crown that's not only attractive for your yard but also perfect for supplying a little shade on a summer day.

Unlike a lot of trees, Sugar Maple will do well even in the shade of other trees in your yard, and it won't mind heat or drought. It's adaptable to many conditions.

Sweeter than the syrup of other Maple Saps like the Black Maple (Acer nigrum) or the Red Maple (Acer rubrum), the Sugar Maple sap produces syrup that is less cloudy and of higher quality than the others.

It's so easy to drain off some sap as it rises in early spring and boil it down. Give samples of your syrup to friends and family!

Sugar Maples are also prized for their wood. It's very hard and dense, making it a good choice for everything from furniture to flooring.

Magnificent fall color, beautiful and hardy shade tree, delectable maple syrup...any one of these features would make the Sugar Maple an outstanding choice for your yard. In short, the Sugar Maple has it all so order one for yourself today!

How to Use Sugar Maple in the Landscape

Use a single Sugar Maple tree as an incredible shade tree on the lawn. Give it plenty of room to grow into its full mature height and spread.

With those shallow Maple roots, it's best not to plant too close to concrete. Plant it 30 feet away from sidewalks, driveways, or patios.

If you have the room and are entrepreneurial-minded, try growing them in a large orchard to provide a cash crop. March and April are sugaring season when the warmer temperatures encourage the tree to convert stored starches into sugar.

Sap contains 2% sugar, and it takes about 40 gallons of sap to create a gallon of delicious maple syrup. Plan to sell your Maple syrup at Farmer's Markets and online.

For a continuous hedge, plant them 15 feet apart, measuring from trunk to trunk. The canopies of the trees will grow together in time.

To give each tree its own space to develop into individual trees, plant them 25 feet apart on center. No matter what size you order from Nature Hills, you'll measure from the trunk of one to the trunk of the next.

You'll get a big jump on a mature tree by buying the largest container size we have in stock.

This is a perfect tree for lining a country road that sees less traffic. They make a magnificent stand where the trees can be spaced to let them reach maximum height and spread.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Barry Bonds had his best year of hitting home runs (73) in 2001 when he switched from the traditional Ash wood used for bats to bats made from the wood of the Sugar Maple.

Though adaptable to many soil conditions, the Sugar Maple prefers slightly acidic soils. It will not tolerate high-saline soils. The tree can also be affected by heavily compacted soils and is very sensitive to air pollution.

In areas with higher pH soils, urban pollution, and compaction, the Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) is recommended as a substitute.

The lovely native tree casts wonderful shade, becomes a home for your local songbirds, and delivers impressive fall color when the leaves turn yellow, orange, and red. All that, and the chance to produce exquisite maple syrup? What a wonderful tree! Order your Sugar Maple Tree today!

Explore More from Nature Hills

Sugar Maples are among the most beloved maple tree varieties and excellent choices for those seeking reliable native plants for their landscape. These hardy specimens work well in northern climates as zone 3 plants, trees & shrubs and zone 4 plants, trees & shrubs. For best results, review our guide on Six Steps For Planting Maple Trees and learn about The Differences in Maple Tree Varieties! to help you choose the perfect addition to your property.

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Growing Zones 3-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the size at maturity for a Sugar Maple Tree, including height and canopy spread?

Sugar Maple Trees typically reach 60-75 feet tall with a 40-50 foot canopy spread at maturity. They develop a classic rounded crown shape as they grow straight and true. Plan for adequate spacing when planting to accommodate their full mature size.

Will a Sugar Maple Tree grow well in my local climate and temperature range?

Sugar Maple Trees are extremely cold-hardy and adaptable to various growing conditions, thriving in zones 3-8. They tolerate both shade and full sun, plus handle heat and drought well once established. Check your hardiness zone and shop at Nature Hills to find the right size for your landscape.

What are the soil requirements for Sugar Maple Trees, including pH and drainage?

Sugar Maple Trees thrive in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. They adapt to various soil types but prefer rich, moist loam. Avoid waterlogged conditions which can cause root rot. Test your soil pH and amend with compost for optimal growth.

What are the care requirements for watering and maintenance of Sugar Maple Trees?

Sugar Maple Trees are drought-tolerant once established and adapt well to various conditions, including partial shade. Water deeply during dry spells the first two years, then natural rainfall is usually sufficient. These hardy trees require minimal maintenance beyond occasional pruning of dead branches in late fall or winter.

Is the Sugar Maple Tree shade tolerant, especially when young?

Sugar Maples tolerate shade better than most trees, even when young. Unlike many species, they'll thrive even in the shade of other established trees in your landscape. This makes them excellent for layered plantings or filling gaps in partially shaded areas available at naturehills.com.

What pests and diseases commonly affect Sugar Maple Trees?

Sugar Maples are generally healthy but can face aphids, scale insects, and occasional fungal issues like anthracnose or tar spot. These hardy trees typically resist most problems when planted in appropriate conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent disease issues.

Sugar Maple Tree

Acer saccharum