treeN. America Native

Sugar Maple

Name: Sugar Maple
Brand: Acer
Availability: InStock

Acer saccharum

$97.95

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

720 inches

Width

480 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Leaves toxic to horses if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer saccharum, the Sugar Maple, is a large, long-lived deciduous tree native to eastern North America, famous for its brilliant fall color and for being the primary source of maple syrup. The species itself is valued for its majestic form, dense summer shade, and spectacular, variable fall color display ranging from brilliant yellow and vibrant orange to deep red. It is an iconic tree of the eastern hardwood forest.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Sugar Maple is one of North America's most beloved landscape trees, renowned for its dense shade in summer and its unrivaled, brilliant fall foliage display of yellow, orange, and red.

It is the primary source of sap for making maple syrup. Its hard, dense wood is highly valued for furniture, flooring, and musical instruments. It is a long-lived, valuable timber tree.

As a dominant species in the eastern hardwood forest, it is a keystone species, providing critical habitat and food for a vast array of wildlife, from insects and birds to mammals like squirrels and deer.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$97.95

PlantingTree

In Stock$114.95

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$119.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with deep, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Dig a hole two to three times the root ball's width
Set the tree with the root flare at or just above soil level
Backfill with native soil, watering to eliminate air pockets
Water regularly for the first few years to establish a deep root system
Mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk

Pro Tip

Give it plenty of room to grow; this is a large tree that needs space for its roots and canopy.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Protect the thin bark of young trees from sunscald and mechanical damage
Water deeply during prolonged droughts
Rake leaves in fall to prevent lawn smothering

Don't

Don't plant in compacted soil or areas with road salt spray
Avoid grade changes or construction over the root system
Don't fertilize heavily; a layer of compost is sufficient

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Majestic shade tree for large properties and parksIconic fall color specimen for cool climatesNaturalistic woodland and reforestation plantings

Companion Plants

Fagus grandifolia Quercus rubra Tilia americana Trillium grandiflorum Asarum canadense

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sugar Maple questions

What zones can Sugar Maple grow in?

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 Sugar Maple deer resistant?

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

When does Sugar Maple bloom?

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 Sugar Maple need full sun?

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