Maple trees

Maple trees are easy to grow and are suitable in most soils and situations. They are for the most part large garden trees, typically ranging from 6m-10m after 10-20 years. Some species are native to the UK, and most originate from Europe or North America.

Maples are grown primarily for their stately forms, and especially the often spectactular autumn colours that their leaves take on in the autumn. Although the maritime climate of the UK is not as conducive to the intense display of colours which characterises fall in the USA and Canada, many varieties have been developed which will produce reliable colours in the UK.

Most forms also produce green or dull red flowers in the spring, followed by small fruitlets - often winged seeds - in the autumn.

  • As the name suggests, this is a form of the Cappodician Maple featuring golden-green leaves which take on multiple tints in the autumn.

    • Height 10 years: 3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
    • Leaf colour - autumn: Multiple tints

  • Brilliant red leaves turn to a red purple. One of the best rubrums for autumn colour. Height 16ft

    • Height 10 years: 5m-10m / 16ft-33ft
    • Leaf colour - autumn: Multiple tints

  • A popular form of the Norway Maple, characterised by its variegated leaves.

    • Height 10 years: 5m-10m / 16ft-33ft
    • Leaf colour - autumn: Yellow

  • The Field Maple makes a good specimen tree with attractive autumn colours, and is easy to grow.

    • Height 10 years: 3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
    • Leaf colour - autumn: Multiple tints

  • A well-named form of the North American Red Maple - the leaves turn a spectacular red in the autumn.

    • Height 10 years: 5m-10m / 16ft-33ft
    • Leaf colour - autumn: Orange / Red

  • One of the smaller maples, its main feature is the striated brown/red bark.

    • Height 10 years: 3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
    • Leaf colour - autumn: Orange / Red

  • One of the best forms of the Cappadocian Maple, featuring a range of leaf colours from spring to autumn.

    • Height 10 years: 3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
    • Leaf colour - autumn: Yellow

  • An upright form of the popular red maple, with an attractive shape and reliable autumn colour.

    • Height 10 years: 5m-10m / 16ft-33ft
    • Leaf colour - autumn: Orange / Red

  • The Sugar Maple is the primary maple species used for producing maple syrup.

    • Height 10 years: 3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
    • Leaf colour - autumn: Multiple tints