Sugar Maple is found in mature forests, woodland edges, and rich soils. It is famous for brilliant orange, red, and yellow autumn foliage and for producing maple syrup. It provides essential habitat in forest ecosystems. It is long-lived and can grow into a very large shade tree. It prefers rich, slightly moist, well-drained soils. It has slow to moderate growth rate. Avoid planting under power lines or in small yards. Water young trees during dry periods.

Sugar maple is one of Ontario's best-known native trees and a classic long-lived, large forest tree. It has a broad, rounded crown and distinctive five-lobed leaves that turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red in autumn. Small yellow-green flowers appear in spring, followed by paired winged seeds called samaras. It naturally grows in rich deciduous forests, woodland edges and fertile, well-drained soils. It prefers partial shade when young to full sun when mature, with moist, fertile, well-drained soil.

An excellent choice for a large yard, rural property, park or naturalized woodland, but generally too large for a small urban garden.
Long-lived and relatively slow growing when young.
Young trees tolerate shade well, but mature trees can grow successfully in full sun.
Protect young trees from lawn-mower and string-trimmer damage around the trunk.
Requires little pruning once a good structure has developed.
Prune young trees selectively to establish strong branching rather than heavily pruning mature trees.
Avoid planting beneath overhead utility lines.

CAUTION
Wilted or fallen sugar maple leaves can be toxic to horses