Maple
Acer truncatum x platanoides
Maple (Acer truncatum x platanoides) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 35–40 ft tall and 25–30 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Prone to winter dieback in hard freezes, wait until late spring to assess damage.
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At a glance
- Rating
- Right spot only (FRTRL: Conditionally Recommended)
- Botanical name
- Acer truncatum x platanoides
- Variety / cultivar
- NORWEGIAN SUNSET®, CRIMSON SUNSET®, PACIFIC SUNSET®
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 35–40 ft tall and 25–30 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~30 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Fall color
- Red, orange
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Pollinator value
- high
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Critical: Salt ToleranceIt has low salt tolerance, so keep it back from de-iced sidewalks, roadsides, and softener runoff, where salt burns roots and leaf edges.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
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 Maple good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Maple is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Maple only conditionally recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter. It has low salt tolerance, so keep it back from de-iced sidewalks, roadsides, and softener runoff, where salt burns roots and leaf edges.
- How big does Maple get?
- It matures to about 35–40 ft tall and 25–30 ft wide.
- How much room does Maple need?
- Give Maple about 30 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Maple grow into?
- 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 Maple hardy on the Front Range?
- Maple is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Maple need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Maple grow?
- Maple is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Maple live?
- Maple has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Maple turn in fall?
- Maple turns red and orange in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Maple native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Maple deer-resistant?
- No. Maple is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Maple prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- 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.
