How Far Apart Should You Plant Maple Trees? A Guide to Proper Spacing

Maple trees are one of the most popular choices for landscaping due to their beautiful foliage, striking fall colors, and attractive shape. When planning your maple tree garden, one of the most important considerations is how far apart to space each tree. Proper spacing will allow your maple trees to grow to their full potential and live long, healthy lives.

Why Tree Spacing Matters

It may be tempting to plant maple trees close together to get that instant, filled-in look. However, improper spacing leads to problems down the road as the trees mature:

• Crowding causes increased competition for sunlight, water and nutrients This leads to stunted growth and increased susceptibility to disease and pests

• Tight spacing prevents air circulation, resulting in fungal issues.

• Maple trees planted too close will eventually grow into one another, causing rubbing damage and obstructed growth.

• Overlapping branches and roots compete, weakening the trees.

• Close proximity makes maintenance and pruning difficult

• Narrow spacing looks unnatural as trees grow tall and gangly reaching for light.

General Guidelines for Maple Tree Spacing

As a general rule, most maple tree species should be spaced:

• Small maple trees (under 25 ft mature height): 12-15 feet apart

• Medium maple trees (25-45 ft): 15-20 feet apart

• Large maple trees (over 45 ft): 20-25 feet apart

This allows enough space for maple trees to develop full canopies and root systems as they mature. Spacing will vary slightly depending on the specific maple species, growth rate, and site conditions. Always check tag or nursery recommendations for details on your maple’s expected size.

Specifics for Different Maple Species

Sugar maple – Prefers at least 15-20 feet between trees. Give even more space (25-30 feet) for open-grown specimens.

Red maple – Quickly reaches mature size. Space at least 15-25 feet apart depending on cultivar’s projected height.

Silver maple – Aggressive surface roots require wider spacing of 20-30 feet between trees.

Japanese maple – Plant small varieties 5-8 feet apart. Allow 10-15 feet between larger growing Japanese maples.

Amur maple – Moderate growth rate allows spacing clusters 10-12 feet apart.

Bigtooth maple – Water-seeking roots demand 15-20 foot spacing.

Paperbark maple – Leave 15 feet between trees at maturity.

Other Factors Influencing Maple Tree Spacing

Along with maple species and projected size, consider these other elements that impact optimal tree spacing:

• Soil conditions – Wet, dense soil requires wider spacing. Trees planted in sandy, quick-draining soil can be slightly closer.

• Site usage – Allow more space between maples lining a driveway or walkway than those in a border planting.

• Root type – Maples with aggressive surface roots need more room than deep rooting varieties.

• Pruning practices – Intensive pruning and training for a tight screen or hedge allows closer spacing.

• Design intent – Clustering small maples together creates a copse. Solitary specimen trees need space to spread.

Planting Maple Trees Properly

Once you’ve determined the ideal spacing, planting maple trees at the proper depth and with good soil preparation will give them the best start:

• Dig a wide planting hole only as deep as the root ball.

• Loosen and amend the soil removed from the hole with compost to improve drainage.

• Carefully place the maple in the hole, keeping the top of the root ball even with the ground.

• Fill around the maple with the amended soil, water thoroughly and mulch.

With proper planning and planting, your maple trees will thrive and enhance your landscape for years to come. Allow enough room between each tree to maximize health, beauty and longevity.