Silver Maple Tree
Some Interesting Facts about the Silver Maple Tree
One of the most favored of all shade trees in the United States is the silver maple tree. Although it isn’t categorized as one of the prettiest of autumn maples or as stately in appearance as in some shade trees, its fast growth, longevity, wide spreading habit and adaptability to diverse locations make it one of the most prized.
Its towering height at maturity is one of the silver maple tree’s best known features, able to reach up to 70 feet tall. Combined with a possible 60 foot spread of the dense, silvery green foliage, the heavy shade it provides makes it an extremely popular choice for large landscapes. A deciduous tree, the silver maple tree begins spring with nondescript yellowish flowers; followed by pale green leaves that quickly overtake the entire tree to cover thickly. The light green foliage continues throughout the summer; the silvery white appearance found on the underside of the leaves supply the tree’s name. When autumn arrives, a golden blanket embraces the silver maple tree which seems to actually glow in the bright sunlight. It creates such a beautiful sight that the leaves seem reluctant to fall; clinging to the branches long into winter.
When planting a silver maple tree in a home landscape, the very stature of this tree should cause some consideration. Keeping in mind that this maple can live upwards of 130 years, one should bear caution in deciding upon its location in the yard. Its soft wood is particularly susceptible to storm damage as well. Root invasion is a common complaint of the silver maple tree; able to break through pavement and basement walls if planted in a close proximity to these structures.
One of the best uses for the silver maple tree is to revitalize areas where little else will grow. The tree’s adaptability excels that of most trees, and will thrive in areas where there is standing water, in areas suffering from drought and in locations with dry, alkaline soils. It is an aggressive reproducer; sending out numerous seeds that will take root and spring up just about anywhere; it also has a habit of sprouting out from the trunk, giving it an untidy look.
Planting the silver maple tree is easy with seedlings, but homeowners should heed warnings of the tree’s size, longevity and potential root problems if planted too closely to structures. When the need for a shady location is required in a quick manner, the fast growing silver maple tree is a surefire remedy.
The silver maple tree may not be the prettiest or the strongest of the maples, but what it lacks in those features is more than made up for in its adaptability, long life and shade potential.