Hedge Maple
Acer campestre
Hedge Maple (Acer campestre) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 25–35 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade to dappled sun. Prone to winter dieback in hard freezes, wait until late spring to assess damage.
low to medium water25–35 ft tall and 25–35 ft wideXeric / water-wise
Photos
- Photo 1: "Acer campestre 006" by Willow is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/.
- Photo 2: Galloramenu
- Photo 3: "Acer campestre 007" by Willow is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/.
- Photo 4: (c) Wendy Herniman, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 5: "Field Maple (Acer campestre) fruit" by Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 6: (c) Peter O'Connor, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade, dappled sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Tolerates
- Hellstrips / parking strips
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 25–35 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~35 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Fall color
- Yellow
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Watch: SuckersIt throws up shoots from the roots and base, so plan on cutting suckers to keep it from turning into a thicket.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Aphids and honeydew
- Verticillium wilt on some species
- Leaf scorch in hot, dry, windy sites
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Hedge Maple good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Hedge Maple is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Hedge Maple get?
- It matures to about 25–35 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide.
- How much room does Hedge Maple need?
- Give Hedge Maple about 35 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Hedge Maple grow into?
- Hedge Maple typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Hedge Maple hardy on the Front Range?
- Hedge Maple is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Hedge Maple need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Hedge Maple grow?
- Hedge Maple is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Hedge Maple live?
- Hedge Maple has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Hedge Maple turn in fall?
- Hedge Maple turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Hedge Maple native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Hedge Maple deer-resistant?
- No. Hedge Maple is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Hedge Maple prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Hedge Maple can be affected by aphids and honeydew and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
