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| Acer saccharum
Sugar mapleCulture: This species prefers well-drained, moist, fertile soils and does not do well in crowded, polluted locations. It is sensitive to soil compaction, heat and drought, and to road salt -- a problem in the upper Midwest and New England areas where many miles of roads are lined with this species. Sugar maple leaves are often disfigured by leaf scorch caused by extensive drought or leaf tatter from strong early season winds. Another problem is Verticillium wilt, and if a tree becomes stressed, it is susceptible to insect attacks. Usage: An excellent shade tree for landscape use, this tree should be situated away from salty, compacted conditions such as roadways and parking lots. Its shade tolerance in youth leads to its role as a forest climax species, and has many foresters concerned because of the tree's ability to compete with oaks. Slower than many other maples, this species has a slow to sometimes moderate growth rate. The wood of this species is commonly used for furniture and hardwood flooring. Trees 10-12" or more in diameter can be tapped in early spring for their sugary sap which contains 2-4% sugar. The sap must be concentrated to 65-67% sugar to produce syrup, a tedious process. |
