Revised

Silver maple (Acer saccharinum)

Large trees

Silver mapleSilver maple
 

  • Maximum height
    90 feet
  • Relative growth rate
    Excellent
  • Freedom from insect pests
    Good
  • Freedom from disease problems
    Good
  • Resistance to storm damage
    Very poor
  • Will grow on poorly drained soil
    Excellent
  • Will grow in hot, dry areas
    Poor
  • Easy to transplant
    Good
  • Withstands city conditions
    Poor

Silver maple is a fast-growing but relatively short-lived tree. Its brittle wood is too subject to storm damage for it to be recommended for general landscape use. The tree is also notorious for plugging sewer lines and lifting sidewalks. The tree should only be used in areas where its branches will not be a hazard if they fall and where it will not interfere with sewers or sidewalks.