How to Grow Trident Maple - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Trident maple is a beautiful plant that is commonly found in Asian countries. It is an evergreen plant that has three lobed leaves. The leaves are generally green in color, but they can also be yellow, red, or orange. The trident maple is a symbol of strength and stability in Asian cultures.

How to Grow Trident Maple - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Acer buergerianum
  • Trident maple
  • Three-lobed maple
  • Formosan maple
  • Sawtooth maple

Basic info

  • Trident maples are a type of maple tree native to East Asia.
  • Trident maples are known for their three-lobed leaves, which give them their name.
  • Trident maples are popular as ornamental trees due to their unique leaf shape and beautiful fall colors.
  • Trident maples are also popular as bonsai trees.
  • Trident maples are not particularly drought-tolerant and need regular watering during dry periods.
  • Trident maples are susceptible to a number of diseases and pests, including verticillium wilt, aphids, and scale insects.
  • Trident maples should be pruned regularly to maintain their shape and size.
  • Trident maples are generally easy to care for and are low-maintenance trees.
  • Trident maples can live for hundreds of years if properly cared for.
  • Trident maples are a symbol of good luck in some cultures.

Growing Steps

  1. For trident maple, first step is to find a suitable location. The tree does best in full sun to partial shade, and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Avoid planting in areas that are prone to flooding or drought.
  2. Once you have selected a location, prepare the planting hole. The hole should be twice as wide as the tree’s root ball, but no deeper.
  3. Gently remove the tree from its container and loosen any tightly bound roots.
  4. Place the tree in the planting hole so that the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  5. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
  6. Water the tree deeply, saturating the root ball.
  7. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the tree, keeping it several inches away from the trunk.
  8. Water the tree regularly during the first growing season to help it establish.
  9. Fertilize the tree annually with a balanced fertilizer.
  10. Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape.

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the best for trident maples is a humus-rich, moist, but well-drained soil mix. They are adaptable to different pH levels, but prefer slightly acidic soils. Unlike many other maples, trident maples are not salt tolerant, so they should not be planted in areas where de-icing salt is used. They are also not tolerant of wet, soggy soils.

Light requirement

Just like other maples, the trident maple is a tree that loves the sun. It can tolerate partial sun, but it will not thrive in full shade. The leaves of the trident maple are three-lobed, and the tree gets its name from the shape of the leaves. The leaves are dark green in the summer and turn yellow, orange, and red in the fall. The trident maple is a small tree, reaching a height of 20-30 feet.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for the growth of the trident maple are those that are warm and humid. This tree does not tolerate cold temperatures well and so it is important to make sure that the area in which it is planted is protected from any cold snaps. The tree will also do well in an area that receives full sun, as this will help it to produce more leaves and flowers.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant are between 40% to 60%. If the humidity drops below 40%, the leaves will start to curl and turn brown. If the humidity rises above 60%, the leaves will start to drop off.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, this kind of plant need is important to maintain a good health. The root system of the trident maple is very dense and compacted, so a good fertilizer will ensure that the plant gets the necessary nutrients to grow properly.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of caring for a trident maple. pruning helps to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy. it is best to prune in the spring, before new growth begins. when pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches.

The Propagation

Propagation of a trident maple is best accomplished through seed stratification. Seed stratification is a process of cold treatment that speeds up germination. The seeds must be fresh in order to stratify properly. To stratify the seeds, first clean them and then place them in a moist paper towel. Next, place the paper towel in a plastic bag and put it in the refrigerator for four to six weeks. After stratification, plant the seeds in pots filled with sterile potting mix. Place the pots in a cold frame or under grow lights and keep the soil moist. The seeds should germinate within two to three weeks.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate occurs during the spring and summer months. However, some growth may occur during the fall and winter months as well. The average trident maple grows about 2 to 3 feet per year. However, some trees may grow faster or slower depending on their location and growing conditions.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are anthracnose, leaf spot, and scale. Anthracnose is a fungal disease that attacking the tree’s leaves, causing them to turn brown and curl up. Leaf spot is another fungal disease which causes brown or black spots on the leaves. Scale is an insect infestation which causes the leaves to turn yellow or brown and eventually fall off.

Tips on Growing

  • Do not forget to water your trident maple regularly. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  • Fertilize your trident maple every few months with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your trident maple annually to encourage new growth and to maintain its shape.
  • Place your trident maple in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • Be sure to plant your trident maple in well-drained soil.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and take action if necessary.
  • Harvest the leaves of your trident maple when they are young and tender.
  • The wood of the trident maple can be used for making furniture and other woodworking projects.
  • Enjoy the beautiful foliage of your trident maple all year round!

Related Plants

  • Acer buergerianum
  • Acer caudatum
  • Acer dawsoniana
  • Acer diabolicum
  • Acer elegans
  • Acer fiction
  • Acer holmstedtianum
  • Acer japonicum
  • Acer pentaphyllum
  • Acer pseudoplatanus

Source:
HOME | Trident University International
Acer buergerianum, trident maple | Trees of Stanford & Environs
Trident Maple - College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category