Species

Acer saccharumSugar Maple

6 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Crescendo Sugar Maple

Acer saccharum 'Crescendo'

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer saccharum, the Sugar Maple, is a large, long-lived North American native tree famous for its brilliant fall colors and for being the primary source of maple syrup. It is a classic, stately shade tree.

Crescendo ('Morton') is a superior selection known for its exceptional tolerance to heat, drought, and less-than-ideal soils compared to the species. It boasts thick, leathery, dark green leaves and consistently produces a spectacular orange-red to red fall color.

Uses & Benefits:

Crescendo offers the quintessential beauty of a Sugar Maple—a dense, shady canopy and brilliant fall color—but on a tougher, more adaptable frame. Its dark green summer foliage is also highly attractive.

Its superior tolerance for heat and drought makes it a more reliable choice for urban and suburban landscapes, parks, and street plantings, especially in transitional climate zones.

As a native keystone species, it supports a vast array of wildlife. It provides nesting sites for birds, its seeds feed birds and mammals, and its foliage is a food source for many insect species.

SpeciesAcer saccharumSugar Maple

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

540 inches

Width

420 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Very long-lived tree

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.
Dig a planting hole that is wide and shallow, no deeper than the root ball.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is slightly above grade.
Backfill with the excavated soil and water well.
Apply a 3-inch layer of organic mulch over the root zone.
Water regularly during the first few years to establish a deep root system.

Pro Tip

An excellent choice for a legacy tree, providing decades of shade and fall beauty, especially in climates that are challenging for typical Sugar Maples.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide supplemental water during severe droughts, even when mature.
Protect the trunk from lawnmower and string trimmer damage.
Prune in winter to remove deadwood and maintain a strong structure.

Don't

Don't plant in compacted or poorly drained soils.
Avoid using de-icing salts near the root zone, as Sugar Maples are salt-sensitive.
Do not prune in the spring, as it will bleed sap heavily.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable and beautiful large shade treeStately park or campus specimenReliable street tree for tough conditions

Companion Plants

Quercus rubra Tilia americana Fagus grandifolia Ostrya virginiana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Crescendo Sugar Maple questions

What zones can Crescendo Sugar Maple grow in?

Crescendo Sugar Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Crescendo Sugar Maple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Crescendo Sugar Maple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Crescendo Sugar Maple bloom?

Crescendo Sugar Maple typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Crescendo Sugar Maple need full sun?

Crescendo Sugar Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Crescendo Sugar Maple drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Crescendo Sugar Maple handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.