Maple trees are a common sight in Colorado and come in different species. Understanding the differences between the species can help property owners to determine the best course of action for maintaining their trees. In this article, we will discuss the types of maple trees found in Colorado and their characteristics.
The first type of maple tree found in Colorado is the Rocky Mountain Maple (Acer glabrum). This species is native to the Rocky Mountains, and can reach a height of 20-30 feet. It's known for its small size, bright red or orange fall foliage and its ability to grow in rocky and steep terrain.
The second type of maple tree found in Colorado is the Boxelder Maple (Acer negundo). This species is a fast-growing tree that can reach up to 50 feet tall. It's known for its compound leaves, which are made up of several leaflets, and for its yellow or orange fall foliage. Boxelder Maple is considered an invasive species in some parts of the state and are often removed.
The third type of maple tree found in Colorado is the Bigtooth Maple (Acer grandidentatum). This species is also native to the Rocky Mountains, and can reach a height of 40-60 feet. It's known for its large, toothed leaves and its vibrant orange and red fall foliage. The Bigtooth Maple is a slow-growing species and it's considered a long-lived tree.
The fourth type of maple tree found in Colorado is the Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum). This species is not native to Colorado but it's commonly planted as an ornamental tree. It's known for its fast growth rate, silver-colored undersides of its leaves and its yellow fall foliage. However, the Silver Maple is considered a weak-wooded tree and it's prone to storm damage.
The most common mistakes homeowners make with their maples trees is: 1. when they plant a new maple they don't put tree wrap on the new sensative trunk which leads to sun scold. 2. they don't water the maple tree enough. you can tell your maple needs water if you notice dead or dying limbs in the canopy...offten on the S, SW side of the canopy. 3. They do not treat the chlorosis with Chelated iron from Colorado Premier Tree Care ( they need IRON !!! Trust me !) 4. there is no mulch ring as the base of the tree. Trees like defensable space at the base of the tree...it doesn't want the grass taking its water ! So strip the grass away and build a mulch ring. They look great too.
Understanding the differences between the types of maple trees found in Colorado can help property owners to determine the best course of action for maintaining their trees. Rocky Mountain Maple, Boxelder Maple, Bigtooth Maple and Silver Maple are the main types of maple trees found in Colorado and each has its own unique characteristics and maintenance needs. Property owners should consult with a professional tree care company to determine the best course of action for their specific trees and to ensure proper maintenance is carried out.
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