Silver Maple
Acer saccharinum
Active Threats to Silver Maple
Maple Tar Spot
Common fungal disease causing black spots on maple leaves. Mostly cosmetic and does not seriously harm healthy trees.
Signs to watch for:
- •Black tar-like spots on leaves
- •Yellow halos around spots
- •Early leaf drop in severe cases
Recommended Action: Rake and dispose of fallen leaves in autumn to reduce spores. No treatment typically needed.
Free consultation available
Overview
Common native tree along waterways and low areas, but problematic as landscape tree
Widely planted in past for fast growth, now recognized as poor choice for most landscapes
Identification
Leaves
Deeply cut 5-lobed leaves with silvery-white undersides visible in wind. Lobes have sharp teeth and deep sinuses between them.
Bark
Distinctive silver-gray bark that develops long, shaggy peeling strips on mature trees.
Flowers
Small red to yellow flowers appear very early in spring, often in late March, before leaves emerge.
Fruit
Large paired samaras mature in late spring, earlier than other maples. Wings form V-shape.
🦆 Valuable wildlife food source
Growing Conditions
Climate
Excellent cold hardiness and tolerates wet sites, but brittle wood is liability
Hardiness Zones: 3, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b
Light Requirements
Soil
Moisture: moist, wet
Drainage: well-drained, moderate, poor
pH Range: 5 - 7.5
Tolerance
Care & Maintenance
Pruning
Best Season: October-March
Frequency: Regular structural pruning needed
- Prune in October-March to develop strong structure
- Remove narrow crotch angles
- Avoid pruning in April-May to prevent bleeding
Avoid: Late winter through spring when sap flows
Watering
Establishment: Weekly watering for first two years
Mature: Prefers consistent moisture
Seasonal Care Timeline
Spring
- Early flowering attracts attention
- Heavy seed drop can be messy
- Storm damage common
Summer
- Weak branches break in storms
- Scale insects active
- Surface roots can damage lawns and sidewalks
Fall
- Heavy leaf drop
- Storm preparation - check for hazardous branches
Winter
- Ice and snow damage common
- Brittle branches break easily
- Remove hazardous branches before winter
Common Issues
Weak Branch Structure
HighNaturally weak wood prone to breakage
Symptoms: Branch breakage in storms, Splitting at crotches
Treatment: Regular structural pruning, remove hazardous branches
Prevention: Develop strong structure when young, ongoing maintenance
Professional arborist recommended
Cottony Maple Scale
ModerateScale insect producing white cottony egg masses
Symptoms: White cottony masses on branches, Sticky honeydew, Sooty mold
Treatment: Horticultural oil spray, systemic insecticide
Prevention: Monitor annually, treat when detected
Quick Facts
When to Call an Arborist
Recommended inspection: Annual inspection essential due to weak wood
- •Cracks at branch unions
- •Leaning or structural defects
- •Large dead branches
- •Root damage or decay
- •Tree near structures or utilities
Free consultation for Belleville residents
Recommended Services
Based on Silver Maple characteristics