Description
Why Grow a Sugar Maple Tree?
Known for producing maple syrup, the Sugar Maple tree (Acer saccharum) is also a cold-hardy hardwood shade tree that adds beauty and long-term value to any landscape. Native to North America, the deciduous Sugar Maple is beloved for its graceful form and brilliant fall color. It’s one of the iconic species responsible for the stunning autumn landscapes across New England and the Midwest.
Growing tall with medium-sized, green leaves through the growing season, Sugar Maples are often planted in municipal parks, home lawns, and large properties for both their cooling summer shade and ornamental appeal. In autumn, the leaves transform into vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and scarlet red.
The Sugar Maple’s iconic five-lobed leaf even graces the Canadian flag. It’s the official state tree of Vermont, New York, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
Maple Syrup Production from Sugar Maple Trees
The sap of the Sugar Maple tree contains a higher sugar concentration than other maple species, making it the top choice for maple syrup production. Native American communities were the first to tap these trees, and the tradition continues today.
Sap is typically harvested in late winter to early spring, when nighttime temperatures fall below freezing and daytime temperatures rise above. A single large tree can produce enough sap for a small batch of syrup, though multiple trees are recommended for consistent annual yields.
Maple syrup can also be further boiled to make maple sugar. In addition to its sweet taste, it contains important minerals like manganese, zinc, copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
Valued Hardwood for Craft and Construction
Homesteaders and woodworkers alike appreciate Sugar Maples for more than just their syrup. The dense, smooth wood is prized for its strength and fine grain. It’s used for bowling lanes, bowling pins, tool handles, and sports equipment. Indoors, it’s favored for making furniture, countertops, and premium hardwood flooring because of its light golden color and ability to take a high polish.
Growing Sugar Maples
Sugar Maples are slow-growing, cold-hardy shade trees that can live over 100 years. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil with moderate moisture. These trees are best planted in spacious lawns, fields, or woodland areas where their mature height and spread (often 60–75 feet tall and 40–50 feet wide) can be appreciated.
See below for more details on soil conditions, USDA zone compatibility, and spacing recommendations.
Buy a Sugar Maple tree online for your lawn, field, or forest, and enjoy its spectacular fall color, sweet syrup, durable hardwood, and cooling summer shade. A true heirloom tree, it offers beauty and usefulness for generations to come.
Survival Guaranteed!


Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.
Characteristics
Bloom Color | Green, Yellow |
Hardiness Zone Range | 3 - 8 |
Shade/Sun | Partial Shade - Full Sun |
Soil Composition | Loamy |
Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
Soil pH Level | 5.5 - 7.3 |
Size & Spacing
Mature Size
Recommended Spacing
Zone Compatibility
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow shade trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
Shipping Information
Arrives when it's time to plant
Questions & Answers
When the trunk is at least 10 inches in diameter, it is mature enough to safely tap. Depending on the environment, this can take many years (think double-digits). Knowing this, the sugar maple tree is often planted for the earlier benefit of fall color and shade, and the later benefit of maple syrup/sugar.
Very slow grower, However, like oak, slow growers are longer living trees. Mine has grown about 6-8" in a year, but I am at 4500' elevation with a short growing season.
Thank you for your question! The Sugar Maple will typically take 50-80 years after planting to reach maturity.
Yes all Maples will make syrup on 10 to 15 year old trees,
Paul Barrett Master Gardener
Would have the soil tested before adding anything. If the soil isn't deficient extra fertilizer can stunt the plants growth. If anything I would add compost to the soil for a slow release of nutrients. Hope this helps. Cheers.
I don't know. All of the ones I've had have the seeds.
While I am not unhappy with what I received in my order, you should have a realistic expectation. You will get what looks to be a stick with roots. We ordered two and one is thriving 2 years later at about 3.5 feet high. Many years from tapping I would guess.
Most sugar maples are naturally slow growers. You might be able to accelerate it's growth with extra fertilizer.
We appreciate you reaching out to us. Because weather and soil conditions vary so much from year to year and even within your zone, it's best to think of your planting time as a range of favorable conditions instead of an exact time.
You can plant new plants and trees:
1) when the ground is not frozen.
2) when daytime temperatures are above freezing (32ºF) and below 90ºF.
3) when extreme weather (blizzard, hail, torrential rain, etc.) is not in the forecast. Be sure to keep plants watered if you're transplanting in warm and/or dry weather.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
Love sugar maple trees
Future shade and sap.
Shade and syrup
As a memorial to my father.