The sun valley maple tree is a beautiful specimen many homeowners love having on their lawns. This hybrid plant is known for its vibrant foliage and breathtaking curb appeal in the fall. Perhaps you are interested in including this tree in your garden. If so, you will need to know the pros and cons of taking care of the sun valley maple tree. Doing so will help you decide if it’s the right plant for you.
Care
Knowing what care this tree needs is the perfect way to determine whether or not it will go well in your yard. It will be tough to make an educated choice without knowing if the plant can survive in the environment.
Water Requirements
This tree isn’t picky regarding water requirements but prefers a moist to wet environment. If you receive regular rainfall, typically at least once a week, you shouldn’t need to supplement watering often.
Soil Requirements
This plant requires moist but well-drained soil. Generally, the soil should be slightly acidic, but this plant will adapt to most conditions. This tree is salt-sensitive, so keep that in mind when selecting where to plant.
Light Requirements
For the most part, this tree needs full sunlight. If you live in a climate where summers are scorching, partial shade can help prevent wilting.
Bloom Time
In early spring, you can expect to find delicate red flowers on the sun valley maple tree branches. It is just as beautiful in autumn as its red leaves turn bright and vivid before falling.
Zone
This tree prefers a cooler climate, meaning you will need to live in zones four through seven for this tree to thrive.
Pruning
This tree tends to maintain its shape on its own, which means it requires very little pruning. It is unlikely to grow very large, so unless you notice dying branches or wilting, you can skip pruning this plant for as long as it’s healthy.
Pests and Other Problems
With proper care, this tree doesn’t typically have many problems. It’s wise to be on the lookout for leafhoppers, caterpillars, and aphids, but otherwise, these plants don’t attract many destructive insects.
There is some chance of root rot since this tree prefers a moist environment. Verticillium wilt and fungal infections can also occur. These symptoms are why it is so vital to find well-draining soil.
Pros and Cons
This is an excellent tree for a beginner gardener. It requires very little work, and as long as the conditions are right, it should present its fantastic displays every year. Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons of the sun valley maple tree.
Pros
- This tree is very cold-hardy. Wait frosts may affect the flowers, but the tree should remain undamaged.
- You won’t have to prune this tree often. For the most part, it takes care of itself.
- This tree has excellent curb appeal.
- This plant is resistant to most pests and diseases. As long as you are careful with care and watering, it’s unlikely to succumb to illness.
Cons
- If you live in a dry environment, you will need to provide this tree with plenty of water.
- The thick leaf drop can be messy in the autumn months. The broad leaves are not challenging to rake up, however.
- This tree absolutely will not tolerate extreme heat. If you live in zone seven or above, you’ll find it challenging to keep this plant alive.
Final Thoughts
The sun valley maple tree is an excellent addition to many yards and gardens. This tree will grow quickly and survive in a suitable climate with little to no intervention. Do some research about your area and consider picking up one of these beauties. If the trees not right for you there are many other varieties of maple including the Japanese Maple Tree.