Sugar Maple tree

The Sugar Maple tree (Acer saccharum), also known as Rock Maple or Hard Maple, is famous for its brilliant autumn colour and sweet sap used in maple syrup. This iconic North American hardwood grows into a large, dense-canopied tree with deeply lobed leaves that turn fiery orange, red, and yellow in autumn. It’s long-lived, cold-hardy, and makes an excellent shade tree for cooler climates. Though not suited to hot, dry areas, it thrives in rich, well-drained soils and adapts to various temperate landscapes.

Features:

Ideal prune height: 6 to 10 metres

pH range: 6.0 to 7.5

Sun preference: Full sun to part shade

Minimum pot size by year 5: 100 litres

Time to produce seeds: 20 to 30 years

Harvest period: Sap flow for syrup in late winter to early spring

Notable traits: Iconic autumn colour, long lifespan, valuable hardwood timber

The Sugar Maple grows best in deep, moist, slightly acidic soils with good drainage. It dislikes compaction and extended dry periods. In Perth, it may struggle unless given consistent moisture and cooler microclimates. Best suited to southern or inland temperate zones in Australia with winter chill.

This tree is ideal for those seeking a striking ornamental with seasonal flair and long-term legacy value. If you’re in a cool-climate zone and want a slice of Canadian charm, this is your pick.

Keywords: Sugar Maple tree, Acer saccharum, autumn foliage tree, maple syrup tree, temperate deciduous tree, ornamental hardwood, cool climate shade tree, Australian maple tree growing.