How Quickly Do Maple Trees Grow?


How fast do maples grow
 

Maple Trees, known for their beautiful fall colors and sweeping maple syrup, are incredibly spectacular species of deciduous trees.

 

Growing across North America, Europe, northern Africa, and Asia, there is one species, Acer laurinum, which extends to the Southern Hemisphere as well.

 

It is a part of the Sapindaceae family comprising 132 species. You can find the majority of it in Asia. Regardless of your yard size, there is a colorful maple tree that you plant.

 

If you are concerned whether you have ample space for a maple, fret not! In this guide, we will tell you about how fast does a maple tree grows and the space it needs to flourish well.

 

Jump To

 

Are Maple Trees Easy To Grow?

Before we discuss how fast do maples grow, let us first know if they are straightforward to cultivate or not.

 

Maples are pretty seamless to grow. They are forgiving and can survive in several different kinds of climates. Native to the US, they can be seen in large numbers thriving in the country.

 

The plant grows in USDA hardiness zones 3 or 4 through 9. Though they relish moist soil, they can also do fine in acidic soils. But, excessive salt is not suitable for most maples.

 

They love the sun but grow fine in partial shade too. Hence, the plant is adaptable to a variety of climates.

 

Maples can be an excellent choice if you want a burst of color and beauty in your yard or garden. You will see your plant thriving if you mimic their native conditions.

 

Are Maple Trees Fast or Slow-Growing?

While there are some fast-growing maples, there are also some slow-growers. So, how fast does a maple tree grow depends on the variety of maple trees.

 

How fast do maples grow also depends on the care and the conditions you expose them to. Most of the maples are moderately growing.

 

Hence, depending on what you seek for your garden, you can find a Maple. Some fast growing varieties like red maple grow up to 3 feet per year and silver maples up to 6 feet. Yes, you read it right. That’s how quickly do maple trees grow, some of them at least.

 

How Many Inches Per Year Does A Maple Tree Grow?

The answer to how fast do maple trees grow per year depends on the maple tree species we are talking about. Popular Maple varieties like October Glory Maple, Sugar Maple, Japanese Maple, and Red Maple have different growth rates and height potential. Beyond this, the environmental factors you expose the tree to also determines its growth rate.

 

So, generally speaking, how fast does a maple tree grow? A maple grows about 24 inches or less in a year on average. By maturity, they can acquire a height of 70 feet and a spread of 50 feet.

 

How Fast Do Japanese Maples Grow?

Botanically known as the Acer palmatum, Japanese Maples are slow to moderate growing plants. They acquire a height of one to two feet every year.

 

These plants grow fastest while young, but their growth rate slows upon maturity. If you wish to maximize how fast do maples grow, you should plant them in a spot where they receive adequate growing conditions.

 

How Fast Does A Sugar Maple Grow?

Botanically known as the Acer saccharum, the Sugar Maples are slow to medium growers. So, how fast do maple trees grow per year which belong to this variety?

 

They grow at a rate of one to two feet in a year. Please do not tap your Maples till it gets 10-inches in diameter. Sugar Maples usually takes about four years or more to reach their full height.

 

How Fast Does A Silver Maple Grow?

Iowa State University states that the silver maples are a fast-growing variety of Maples. It implies that from its initial planting time, the plant reaches a height of at least 10 to 25 feet in a decade.

 

Further, following a study by the University of Alabama, the Silver Maple grows about three feet or more per year.

 

How Fast Does A Red Sunset Maple Grow?

Botanically known as the Acer rubrum ‘Franksred’, Red Sunset Maple has a medium to the fast growth rate. It can reach about 45-50 feet in height and has a decent spread of 35-40 feet. It is an adaptive plant and can perform well in various soils and climates.

 

However, it is salt-sensitive and needs acid soil. The plant prefers a moist site and enjoys partial to full sun. It thrives in USDA hardiness 4 through 8. Depending on the exposed conditions, you will see its annual growth between 13” to 24” in a year.

 

How Fast Does An Autumn Blaze Maple Grow?

It is one of the fastest-growing maples and usually shows a growth rate of three feet or more per year.

 

How Fast Does Coral Bark Maple Grow?

It is a beautiful Japanese Maple with a manageable size, colorful appearance, and a moderate growth rate. It can be a perfect specimen for accent. Because of its compact size, you can grow them in a smaller yard and garden, on a patio, or near a deck.

 

However, despite its small size, it is still considered big enough for a Japanese Maple, given its mature height of 15-25 feet. Its spread is decent, 12 to 15 feet, making it an excellent shade plant.

 

How Fast Does A Maple Tree Grow That’s Crimson?

Studies by Utah State University Extension suggest that Crimson Maple is a moderate-growing plant and grows between one to two feet in a year.

 

However, at times, the plant grows at a slow pace. Hence, to avoid this, you must plant the tree where it receives full sun.

 

Further, you must pick a spot with well-drained, moist, and nutrient-rich soil for full growth. Upon maturity, the plant reaches about 35 to 45 feet in height, with a spread of 25 to 30 feet.

 

How Fast Does A Flame Amur Maple Grow?

Botanically called the Acer ‘Ginnala Flame,’ the Flame Amur has a moderate growth rate. It usually reaches 1 to 2’ per year. Upon maturity, Flame Amur grows to 12’ and has a spread of 4 feet. The plant thrives in USDA hardiness three to eight. It is a small upright tree that has a rounded crown. At times, you may even see multiple stems in it.

 

How Fast Does A Norway Maple Grow?

Norway Maple grows in USDA hardiness through four to seven. They need full sun for proper growth. Norway Maple has a fast growth rate and can grow about 12 to 18” per year. The plant acquires a maximum height between 50-60’ and has a decent spread between 40 to 50’. Norway Maple is adaptable and tolerable to different soils, like light sand and clay soil.

 

Related: How long does a maple tree live?

 

How Do You Make Maples Grow Faster with Increased Growth Rate?

If you know how fast does a maple tree grows and want your maple to thrive, you must expose it to the right growing conditions. Here are some tips that can help you take care of your maples:

 

1. Planting

Decided to plant a maple tree in your garden? Well, you need to be careful about the soil quality. Plant the maples in soil with a pH of less than 7.3. Maple trees enjoy an acidic environment.

 

Also, look for nutrient-rich soil to foster growth. Before you plant the maples, dig a hole about three feet deep.

 

Moreover, keep adequate distance between the plant to spread their roots. A maple tree needs at least four feet of space for expansion. In addition, the maples have a solid root system. They can lift fences and pavements. So, ensure that the plant is away from all these obstacles.

 

2. Fertilizer

Young maple trees vastly benefit from annual feeding. You can fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer. However, if you are unsure about the existing soil quality, you can undertake a soil assessment.

 

It will help you know the soil quality to ensure it is suitable for the plant. During testing, check the pH level and the nutrients in the soil to ensure they are proper for the healthy growth of the maple.

 

When planting a new maple, you should use a Bio-Tone Starter Fertilizer by Espoma. It is one of the best fertilizers for maple trees, as it builds a robust and healthy root system and protects the plant from transplant shock.

 

You can feed the fertilizer every year during the spring season. Organic and balanced fertilizers like the tree tone fertilizer can also be the right pick for the plant. It takes away the right of potentially burning the roots with overfertilization.

 

3. Temperature

The ideal temperature you should provide to your maples is as low as -40°F to 100°F.

 

4. Watering

Maple trees need about 11 gallons of water per week for active growth. If you do not water the plants adequately, it can result in maple leaf scorch or wilting. So, if your plant shows wilting signs, which usually begins from the tree’s top and travels downwards, you must water it immediately.

 

You can also invest in a watering can. It can save you time and water and is suitable for a two to three-year-old plant. The water should reach about 10 inches below the plant surface to ensure that the root system is deeply hydrated.

 

However, you should not just avoid underwatering but also overwatering. It can result in fungal diseases and root rotting.

 

Consider adding mulch at the base to save water and allow the soil to retain the moisture and temperature. If you cannot decide the watering frequency, top the topsoil. If it feels dry, you can rewater the plant.

 

5. Light

You can find Maple trees across the United States. However, to know about the plant’s lighting requirements, you must know about its growing zones. Typically maple trees grow in USDA hardiness 3 through 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. Most maple trees grow best in full sun. Only some of them like shade.

 

 

6. Pruning

You can prune the maple trees, but it should be strictly during the times when the tree is in its dormant stage. If you trim the tree in the growing season, it can result in sap loss.

 

In the growing season, any cut in the tree leads to sap running freely from the cuts, resulting in the plant dying. Hence while pruning, please be very careful and chop only the dead or diseased branches to maintain the plant’s visual appeal and keep up the tree’s healthy growth rate.

 

7. Diseases

Sadly, the maple trees are prone to some diseases. Some common concerns that a plant may experience include the ones listed below. You must take care of these issues for a fast and healthy growth of maples.

 

A. Tar Spot– It is a fungal disease. However, it does not kill the plant but forms dark spots on the leaves. For treating, you can clean all the spotted leaves in the fall.

 

B. Anthracnose –is another prevalent fungal disease resulting in browning or dropping leaves, especially in mid to late summer. Some anthracnose signs include fungal spores on twigs, falling leaves, and cankers.

 

If you see a plant affected by anthracnose, you should remove the fallen twigs and leaves and prune any branches and dead twigs hanging onto the tree.

 

C. Verticillium wilt – It usually shows on stressed or damaged trees and is caused by a soil fungus, which results in the shutting down of the water-transporting cells.

 

You will see it when Maple shows dying or browning leaves. To overcome the damage, you can consider using a low-nitrogen fertilizer. At the same time, soil solarization and pruning dying or dead branches can also help.

 

FAQs About How Fast Do Maples Grow

Ques 1. What is the fastest-growing maple?

Ans. Red Maple is the fastest-growing Maple.

 

Ques 2. What grows faster maple or oak?

Ans. The Maple trees are fast-growers compared to the Mighty Oak.

 

Ques 3. How tall do maple trees grow?

Ans. Typically, the maples grow between the height of 33 to 148 feet or 10 to 45 meters. On an average we can say that maples are 60 feet tall.

 

Ques 4. Can you grow maple trees from seeds or branches?

Ans. Yes, maple trees can grow from both branches and seeds.

 

Ques 5. Can you grow a maple tree indoors?

Ans. You can grow a smaller maple variety indoors, provided you cater to its seasonal needs.

 

Ques 6. How fast do maple trees grow from seed?

Ans. Maple seeds usually take as much as 90-120 days to sprout and grow.

 

Ques 7. Are maple trees toxic to pets?

Ans.Usually, maple trees are safe for humans, cats, and dogs. However, the red maples are toxic to horses. Thus, please avoid their plantation in paddocks and pastures, where there are horses.

 

Recent Posts