The maple leaf is a Canadian symbol that is recognized worldwide. Maple trees can be found growing across Canada, including in Prince George.
There are several varieties in varying sizes that grow well in our area. Maple trees make attractive shade trees throughout the summer but it is in the fall that they truly stand out in the landscape, in a blaze of colour.
Maples are easy to grow and do not require a lot of maintenance. They have a long life span, making them a great investment for the landscape.
When choosing a site to plant a maple, take into consideration how large the tree will get when it has reached its full height and width. Give it enough space and check for overhead power lines.
Generally, maples grow best in full sun to partial shade, in a well-drained soil, but some varieties are more adaptable than others to varying conditions. Some varieties require more moisture than others. The red and silver maples need more moisture whereas the Amur maple will tolerate drier conditions once it has grown a good root system.
Maintenance involves fertilizing the tree with a tree/shrub fertilizer such as 18-4-8 once in the spring and then once more in early July. To help strengthen the tree for winter, an application of 0-0-50 in early fall is beneficial.
Pruning maples may not always be necessary. Maples are pruned to keep the tree evenly shaped, and to remove any wayward or crossing branches, as well as removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Timing is critical when pruning maples. Maples are never pruned in the spring when most deciduous trees and shrubs are pruned. Instead, maples are always pruned in the summer around early July. This is when the sap has stopped running. To make sure the sap has stopped running, first cut a small branch, and if there is no running sap, continue to prune. If the sap is running, wait for another week or so and check again. Pruning a maple tree at the wrong time can result in seriously harming the tree or possibly killing it.
In the spring, maples produce clusters of flowers that when pollinated will later form seed pods. In late summer/early fall the seedpods have matured and are ready to fall from the tree. The seedpods, called samaras, are winged and look like tiny helicopters when they fall from the tree and twirl to the ground. Mother Nature provides fun toys for children (and adults) as we enjoy picking up the seedpods from the ground and tossing them in the air to watch them spin.
As we celebrate Canada's 150th birthday this weekend, why not make a lasting memory by planting a maple tree in the yard? It will be there for years to come if cared for properly.
Have a great long weekend.
