Revised
Silver maple (Acer saccharinum)
Large trees
- Maximum height
90 feet - Relative growth rate
Excellent - Freedom from insect pests
Good - Freedom from disease problems
Good - Resistance to storm damage
Very poor - Will grow on poorly drained soil
Excellent - Will grow in hot, dry areas
Poor - Easy to transplant
Good - Withstands city conditions
Poor
Silver maple is a fast-growing but relatively short-lived tree. Its brittle wood is too subject to storm damage for it to be recommended for general landscape use. The tree is also notorious for plugging sewer lines and lifting sidewalks. The tree should only be used in areas where its branches will not be a hazard if they fall and where it will not interfere with sewers or sidewalks.