How to Grow Maple Trees
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What is one of the most popular trees in the back (or front) yard? What is
one of the most populous trees in the United States? You guessed it, the
maple tree. Maple trees provide cooling shade in the hot summer, and a beautiful
splendor of color in the fall. With lots of varieties, shapes, heights, and
leaf colors, maple trees are one of America's favorite trees.
Maples are deciduous trees, offering varying degrees of shade. They can be
found almost anywhere in the world where trees can grow. There are approximately
128 varieties of maple trees. Most varieties are native to Asia. Others are
native to North America, Europe and northern sections of Africa. The most
popular varieties are Sugar Maple, Silver Maple, Red Maple, and Japanese
Maples.
Some maples drop their seeds in the spring, while others shed them in the
fall. We all know maples for their "Whirlybird" seed drops.
Maple trees are versatile and have many uses:
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Maple is a popular wood for furniture and cabinetry.
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The wood makes good firewood
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The sap of sugar maple trees is used to make maple syrup. Your breakfast
would not be the same without it.
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Wood chips are used in smokers to add flavor to meats.
Maple Syrup time
Maple Tree Propagation
Maple trees are propagated from seeds. Most often, we go to the garden store
to select young maple trees for our yards. But, there are some people who
prefer to start them from seeds. Is that you? Then, here is how you do it........
Starting maple trees from seeds:
Do not dry the seeds, or they will die.
The most common method of starting maple seedlings, includes cold stratification.
This is a period when the seeds are chilled prior to planting. It signals
the seed to sprout.
Place a mixture of vermiculite and peat moss into a sealable baggie. Add
just a few drops of water, to get a moist mixture. It should not be wet.
Squeeze out excess moisture. Some people spray a little fungicide into the
mixture. Put 20 -30 maple seeds into the middle of the mixture. Seal the
baggie, then put it into the refrigerator for 90 to 120 days. Check
it every week or so, watching for mold to develop. Remove any material that
begins to mold. This is the biggest problem with starting maples from seed.
After the seeds have sprouted, plant them into seed pots. Allow them to grow
indoors if possible, in plenty of sunlight. The following spring, plant them
out in your yard after the last frost in your area.
Buy Maple Trees - Live trees, bushes and shrubs, hundreds of varieties
Planting or Transplanting Saplings
Potted trees from the garden store can be planted any time during the growing
season, but not too close to the fall. Give it some growing time, to establish
roots.
Transplanted maple trees should be relocated in the spring. The bigger the
tree, the harder it is to successfully transplant them. When transplanting
maple trees, it is important to get as much of the root system as possible.
Select a sunny location where you want to grow the tree.
Planting Tip: Do not plant the tree too near a driveway or sidewalk.
The big, strong roots near the surface can uplift driveways and sidewalks.
The soil in the planting area should be neutral to slightly acidic. The Ideal
pH range is: 6.0 - 7.5. More on ph.
Dig a hole 4 times the size of the root ball, and 4 times as deep. Set the
soil aside.
Mix in plenty of compost and/or peat moss.
Set the root ball into the hole with the top just below the rim of the hole.
Fill the hole with the soil you removed, tamping the soil down gently.
Water the young tree thoroughly and deeply. Apply additional water for the
first few weeks, only if it is dry in your area.
You may want to stake the young saplings for the first year, to assure it
remains completely upright.
Apply a layer of mulch around the trunk, to keep weeds down and create a
tidy appearance.
How to Grow Maple Trees
Maple trees are easy to grow.
The trees need a little water for several weeks after planting or transplanting.
Once they have established their root system, they will grow and thrive for
decades, with little or no care.
Pruning plants, especially when young, will help them to grow full, and in
the shape you desire.
Pruning Your Maple Tree:
Prune trees in the spring. Remove suckers, dead and diseased branches. Cut
them off close to the trunk or branch.
Prune branches of young trees, to help maintain a full, round shape.
Also remove branches that can become a threat to power and telephone lines,
to your house or other structures.
IMPORTANT: For your personal safety, do not remove branches that are
close to, or hanging over power lines. Call the utility company for this
task.
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