The Silver Maple
Grows in zones 3 to 9, The tree is
deciduous, it loses it's leaves every year in the fall then grows
new leaves in the spring. The silver maple grows to a medium to
large size at a rapid rate. Growth is slower after the tree becomes
larger. The silver maple grows best in bright sun to partial shade
and tolerates a wide range of soil types including poor soil. The
silver maple is considered a medium texture tree. It has an upright
form with oval to rounded shape and strong spreading branches.
The silver maple tree will attain a
size of 50 to 70 ft and a width of 40 to 60'
The leaves are 3 to 6" opposite,
simple leaf with 5 deeply cut lobes; silvery underside; green,
yellow and brown combination fall color. The silver maple tree has
very small greenish yellow to red flowers in early spring
The silver maple has very vigorous
feeder roots. The tree can crack sidewalks and will clog drains and
septic systems if planted near enough for the roots to reach. The
tree is very easy to grow. Potential problems; brittle wood, large
older branches can break off in high winds or ice storms. You should
plant the silver maple away from driveways, roof over hangs and
eaves.
Often people will inherit a large
silver maple in the yard of an older home. Pay close attention to
the condition of leaves and small branches on large limbs. If leaves
and small branches are in decline or die in sections this could be a
sign of Verticillium wilt. Have those large branches evaluated by a
tree surgeon or arborist if the branch could cause damage when
falling from the tree. Or to be safe just remove the branch at the
sign of branch decline.
Beware that some tree surgeons and
arborist's solution to everything is cut cut cut and then cut some
more. Use caution when dealing with these people as when they are
not cutting on your tree you are not paying them your money.
Silver Maple Problems:
The silver maple tree is susceptible
to many insects and diseases including Verticillium wilt and other
canker diseases. It is best to consult local nurserymen or ag
extension departments as to silver maple problems common to your
area.
Cultivars available:
'Blair' - 50 to 70'; Strong branching
pattern; Yellow fall color.
'Lutescens' - New leaves are
orange-yellow; yellowish green in summer; yellow fall color.
'Northline' - 60 to 80' by 40 to 45';
Wide branching; Slow grower; good branch structure.
'Silver Queen' - 50' by 40'; Upright
oval rounded; Almost fruitless; bright green summer leaves; yellow
fall color.
'Skinner' - Pyramidal; slender
lateral branches; Cut leaf; bright green summer leaves.
 
