Shantung Maple Pros and Cons, Problems, Growth Rate

The Shantung maple, also known as Acer truncatum, is a magnificent example of a medium-sized ornamental tree that may grow up to 25 feet tall and 20 feet wide. This tree thrives in acidic soils, can survive in dry, windy conditions, and can even handle some alkalinity in the water. It is the perfect choice for a yard with limited space. The Shantung maple is one of the best trees for fall colors. Its leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow with red spots before turning orange and then a beautiful blazing red.

Growing a Shantung Maple tree is fairly simple, and it can withstand a broad variety of environmental stresses, such as light to severe frost, prolonged drought, and standing water. It is a preferred option for front yards and driveways in metropolitan areas since it can handle some air pollution. It likes acidic soil and only needs to be fed once in the spring.

Because Shantung maple roots tend to grow deep rather than shallow like the roots of many other varieties of maple, they can be grown in close proximity to structures and used to provide shadow cover for other, smaller plants that are planted around it.

Pros

The Shantung maple tree is relatively easy to cultivate, resistant to both pests and diseases, and tolerant of pollution. Like with other low-maintenance trees, a significant portion of their success and durability depends on where you choose to plant them and the environmental factors of that location.

The Shantung maple tree can be used either as a specimen or as a street tree. Additionally, it is small enough to use beneath electrical lines. The lustrous foliage first seems reddish in color before turning dark green. The leaves change colors throughout the fall, going from green to yellow, orange, red, and maybe a little bit of purple.

Cons

Aphids are little bugs that feed on tree sap. Keep an eye out for them because the trees may attract them. Most of the time, you can remove them from the leaves and stems by using the hose or by spraying them with soapy water. The trees may also be prone to root rot and verticillium, but they are resistant to leaf scorch. Unfortunately, the trees may suffer from other diseases as well.

Wilts can be spread by infected seeds, dead plant parts, or soil. This fungus germinates and grows throughout the wet and cool seasons, but it does not show its true colors until the climate becomes warmer and drier. The fungus causes the plants to wilt because it disrupts the systems in their cells that are responsible for transporting water. An excess of fertilizer could make this problem much worse.

Growth rate

The average growth rate of Shantung Maple is 3 feet per year. The Shantung Maple is an evergreen tree that is indigenous to China. It is a small tree that grows between 20 to 25 feet tall and has a densely branching, rounded crown. The leaves are a medium green color and have triangular lobes. In the spring, leaves appear reddish-purple but eventually turn dark green.

Problems

The Shantung maple is a relatively small tree compared to other types of maples. It doesn't have any significant pest or disease issues, however, young trees may be vulnerable to Japanese beetles in areas with high infestation rates.

Unfortunately, the roots of a dead maple tree cannot be resurrected. However, with the right care, nourishment, and hydration, a maple tree that is about to die but still has viable roots can be saved.