The Silver Maple is a classic American tree that is easily recognized due to its massive size and waxy, silver backed, lobed leaves. Planted in neighborhoods, parks, and lined along streets, it provides cool shade with its dense crown of foliage.

The Silver Maple is known for the samaras that adorn it. Samaras are the winged fruits of maple trees. The green and silver backed leaves dance and shimmer in the breeze, making this classic tree not only a good shade tree, but a decorative addition to your landscaping.

The Silver Maple tree performs best when planted in full sun. It is an extremely fast growing tree that can reach an impressive height of 80 feet. The Silver Maple is classified as a soft wood tree.

The Silver Maple is a classic American treasure. It is a great tree that grows at a fast rate and provides excellent shade in the summer. If you are looking for a tree that adds to the ecosystem and remains faithful for years to come, the Silver Maple is a perfect choice.

How Long Does This Maple Live?

This tree is known to live 130 years or longer.

When Should I Prune A Silver Maple?

Prune this tree in late winter when it is in dormancy.

How Fast Does This Maple Grow?

This tree is a fast grower and pushes more than 2 feet per year to a mature height of 40-60 feet.

When planting your Silver Maple tree be sure you have the right location and conditions for your new tree to thrive. Spring and Fall are ideal times to plant. However, if you avoid freezing and hot temperatures you can plant your Maple almost any time of the year.

These trees tolerate full sun to part shade and prefer soil that is well-drained, slightly acidic, and nutrient rich. However, Maples will adapt to a variety of soils. If you have alkaline soil, you can amend your soil. To acidify your soil, amend with compost, elemental sulfur, or use fertilizers specific for acid loving plants. Mulching with pine straw or pine bark will help over time as they begin to break down, but are not an immediate solution for increasing acidity. Mulching will also aid in keeping the roots cool and moist. Add a layer of 2 to 3 inches of mulch. Do not allow the mulch to touch the trunk as this increases the chances of pests and disease. Maples should be watered often enough to keep the soil moist. Maples can tolerate a wet area, but they shouldn't be in standing water. Fertilize in early spring and when planting to give your tree a boost. Choose a slow release fertilizer. When planting take care not to burn the roots by mixing the fertilizer into the soil before placing your tree in the hole. Maple trees don't generally require pruning, but, if needed, prune when they are dormant to remove any dead, dying, or crowded branches, or to maintain shape. Maples are salt intolerant so keep them away from road sides in cooler climates and beach areas as well as any area known for soils with high salinity.

The best way to prevent disease and pests is by providing the appropriate care for your plants. Proper location choice, watering, and fertilization are the keys to your success. Scale and Aphids are insects that can affect Maples. You can treat these pests naturally with horticultural oil, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. For severe infections you can use pesticides like carbaryl, also known as Sevin. Occasionally fungal issues can arise. Generally, treating after infection isn't extremely effective, so if you have problems yearly treat in early spring with fungicides to prevent infection. Neem Oil is an organic method of treating some fungal diseases and pests. It can be effective, but the entire tree must be coated in order for this method to be effective.

The Silver Maple is a great tree for your yard. With a mature width around 40 feet and height of 60 feet, this is a good sized shade tree. Be sure to give it plenty of room to thrive. Plant 1, 2, or 3 in your front or backyard as individual specimen trees or plant a row to line your backyard or a long driveway. Space your maple hedge so that each tree has at least 15 feet to the next tree. You will enjoy shade within a few years with this fast growing tree.

For additional options, be sure to browse our Maple tree collection.