Maple Trees: The Crown Jewel of the Fall Season

With dozens of varieties, Maple leaves are brilliantly colored and can run the gamut from green to yellow to orange and finally, red. Maples are hardy trees and certainly thrive in north Georgia’s landscape hardiness zone. It is rare for a Maple tree to be afflicted by disease or insect infestation.
Like most trees, Maple trees do best when planted in the fall when it’s cooler and they are less stressed. Before planting a Maple tree, there are a few things to bear in mind:

• Maple tree roots grow close to the surface. Be sure you plant the tree a good distance from driveways and sidewalks so the roots won’t eventually break up the concrete.
• Plan for plenty of space for your Maple Tree. They can grow to be anywhere from 20 to 100 feet tall. At full growth, the Maple tree will develop a large rounded canopy and should not be located too close to other trees or buildings. They will also provide lots of shade at full growth.
• Choose a well-drained area with lots of sun for your Maple.
• You’ll want to dig a hole that’s 1 or 2 feet wider than the root ball. Be sure to break up the sides of the hole if there is red clay compaction 2/3 soil, 1/3 compost or manure is the ideal planting medium
• Water slowly 2 or 3 times per week with 3 to 4 gallons of water as the roots get established. Mulch will help retain moisture but should not touch the tree’s trunk.