Planting a Silver Leaf Maple in Texas

Description

• Leaves on silver maples are 3 to 4 inches long, each with three to five lobes. The toothy, jagged leaf margins end in points at the tips of each lobe. The silvery-white lower side of the green leaves inspired the tree's name. Bark appears silver-gray and smooth on younger trees; mature trees have flaky, shaggy bark that peels away. The silver maples thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 9.

Seeds

• Silver maple trees are seriously prolific seed producers. Adults may recognize this tree’s seeds from their childhoods – the samaras, or winged seeds, made great helicopters. Pairs of winged seeds hang from the tree in thick clusters and fall in the late spring. They sprout and germinate quickly wherever they land.

Growing Conditions

• Shade trees typically require full sun, which is where they are most useful. Silver maples tolerate partial sun while growing but will require full sun as mature trees. They require moist, rich, slightly-acidic soil. Their native habitat includes rich bottomlands and moist hillsides in east and northeast forest areas of North America.

Tree Size

• Fast-growing trees characteristically have brittle, easily-broken wood. If grown in the tree’s natural range, under ideal conditions, silver maple trees can reach 70 to 100 feet in height with canopy spreads of 60 feet. Typically, the tree’s spread is two thirds the height.

Water Requirements

• The aggressive nature of the silver maple’s root system allows it to successfully tolerate a wide range of soil moisture conditions. Surface-oriented roots enable it to survive some flooding. In more temperate regions of the country this is considered somewhat drought tolerant – but not in Texas. Extended dry summers in Texas’ intense heat and frequent hot winds can destroy the tree. In Texas it has a low tolerance for drought.

Root Concerns

• Surface roots make mowing grass difficult; roots damage plumbing and irrigation systems and lift sidewalks. They search for water and grow into septic tank drain fields as well as slightly broken or cracked water and sewer pipes; however, if you have a location on your property that’s regularly wet, consider this tree. Also, the dense root system prevents shrubs and other plants from growing beneath the canopy.

Mess

• Flaking bark and seeds blow off in storms. The seeds stuff gutters and clog downspouts. Leaves fall off prematurely during periods of heat stress. The brittle wood doesn't hold up to wind storms – twigs and branches break and spread across the yard or fall on buildings. In areas of Texas subject to strong wind storms this tree will be suffer considerable breakage. Don’t plant it close to power lines.

Final Thoughts

• Silver maple produces quick shade and attracts wildlife, seemingly an ideal selection for remote areas on large properties with abundant water. When silver maples lack sufficient water their leaves scorch and fall off, especially during periods of hot, dry winds. If wanting a tree to shade the house consider more-tolerant natives such as a faster-growing oaks (Quercus spp.) or Texas ash (Fraxinus albicans) in USDA zones 6 to 9.