Maple ID (silver maple?)

16 years ago

I planted a Maple tree in my yard two years ago, it was grown from a seed found in Iowa. After a bit of reading, I guess this is an (infamous in this forum) silver maple?

This is a pic when it was just leafing out:

Close-up: (The leaves will turn all green).

I kinda planted it there arbitrarily because I had it, and I was already thinking it might not be a good spot in the long term -- for one, because of the low Y-shaped structure I guess stability may be compromised, also that spot's not too far from the retaining wall, and actually also not that much farther from the septic leach field, so probably not a spot for a fast-growing tree in the first place.

I read through some former posts on silver maples here, assuming this is one, it doesn't sound like a tree to keep in the long run, anyway. However, since it's already there, would there be anything wrong with letting it grow for a couple of years, at what point does it become a real pain to take it out? Also, would it possible to keep it really small (like Any suggestion for an alternative what to plant there?

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Comments (10)

Smivies (Ontario - 5b)
16 years ago
You've answered virtually all your own questions :-)

I would choose one side of the 'Y' and cut it off now....you won't even notice the difference in 2-3 years.

As for a heavy pruning to keep it small....not a chance. Silver Maples will send out shoots 6' long in one season in response to a heavy pruning.

As for other trees, choose your size and desired attributes, & I'm sure lots of suggestions will pop up.
Embothrium
16 years ago
Is already throwing bed out of balance visually, should be in center - or bed should be re-shaped (or removed and replaced in a different spot, as where it is now with the shape it has it is taking a bite out of the lawn which does not produce a pleasing effect - when your lawn no longer has sharp corners then you know your beds shapes are getting to where they should be - if you want a relaxed and gracious appearance). Later it will overwhelm the other plants and become too large for the size of the bed.
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Embothrium
16 years ago
Notice the booklet at the bottom left of the page, possibly that would be of interest.

Here is a link that might be useful: UNH Cooperative Extension - Family, Home and Garden Education Center
thomashton
16 years ago
Most definately a Silver Maple. I actually love them--in the right place. I have four or so in a mixed stand grove I planted on 1.25 acres or so.

If allowed to grow there, it will run into the other trees you have there. You may not care and like the canopies to merge. That is what I have done.

A big problem is that low crotch which you know how to take care of. It will not even be noticeable that you took care of that in 2 years or so.

And, the biggest problem is that septic system. How close is that? I would not put a silver maple within 100' of my septic system. I have removed red maples and a white alder that were too close. I wouldn't even think of letting one of my silvers close.
kaig
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the replies. I was thinking to buy that book (I've read most of what the UNH extension has online) already, and I probably will. Unfortunately, I think what I really need is some intro to landscape design ;(

I agree that the location of the tree in the bed is odd, and well, the bed itself isn't the most aesthetic shape. I put this in when I built the retaining wall, in order to not have it all boring lawn. Maybe I'll see if I can get some better picture this weekend and see if I can get some design help here ;) The septic doesn't make it any easier, and I don't even know exactly where it's at. Definitely too close for a large tree (20 ft to the edge would be my guess, certainly not 100).

So is the tree really going to straighten itself out if I cut one half off? The crotch angle is wider than it may look in the picture. That may be all academic, but I guess I might keep it for a couple of years while growing some replacement.

I'm thinking an upright Japanese Maple might be a nice center piece there, how about a Seiryu? I just ordered one, but it'll be years until it has any kind of size.

I don't think even a silver maple will compete with most of the other trees there any time soon, though, there are many really tall pine trees there (which are left from what I guess basically used to be a forest, and so they're not particularly pretty, having only green near the very top. But that's another subject... (though actually related to the whole "where do I want my landscape to go" thing)
Embothrium
16 years ago
I'm frequently suggesting GARDEN DESIGN ILLUSTRATED by John and Carol Grant here, and for good reason. Reprinted many times, unique inexpensive classic. Half Price Books near me has had copies for less than 10 bucks several times that I know of. Looks like your layout has a bit of the bold flowing lines they talk about.
lou_spicewood_tx
15 years ago
Japanese maples, trident maple, shantung maple to name a few would be much more suitable tree than silver maple. Nicer looking and not so aggressive root system like silver maple.
Embothrium
15 years ago
Any large-growing maple will become dominating over time, making them comparatively hard to garden under. You do appear, however, to have lots of room.

Japanese, trident etc. maples are small-growing and therefore easier to work with.
alley_cat_gw_7b
15 years ago
Kaig, What a great place for an ornamental tree. Dont let that tree ruin all the time, money, and effort that went into that wall!Looks like your location and conditions provide many,many great possibilities. Give that one to the neighbors !! HI HO SILVER.....AWAY!!!!!
lou_spicewood_tx
15 years ago
Paperbark maple would be excellent tree too.

Maple ID (silver maple?)

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Smivies (Ontario - 5b)

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