Caring for Trident Maples in Atlanta

Trident maples are common in Atlanta and boast beautiful foliage most of the year. If you’re wondering if you need tree service serving Atlanta and Decatur for your trident maple, then continue reading to learn about caring for this popular tree variety.

Tree Overview

The trident maple is a deciduous tree with a dense, rounded crown of glossy, dark green leaves that turn bright shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall. Also, the tree produces small yellow to green fruit that persists through the winter months. In early spring, you’ll see yellow flowers.

Tree Care

Caring for trident maples does not require a lot of work. They are low-maintenance trees, but doing what you can to keep them healthy can make them less vulnerable to pests and diseases. Use mulch to keep moisture near the roots and prevent weed growth. Also, fertilize during the growth season.

Disease Control

Although these trees are easy to care for, they are susceptible to some diseases such as leaf spot, wilts, powdery mildew, and anthracnose. These can often be prevented with good soil conditions and plenty of air circulation. To help protect your trident maple against disease, plant the tree in porous, slightly acidic soil that is free of infected seeds or debris.

Tree Planting

The trident maple grows well in urban areas, even in locations where the soil is compacted and of poor quality. Also, these trees do great when transplanted, as their branching system of fibrous roots help prevent messy leaf fall. Trident maples do well as street trees and, although they are often classified as small trees, they can sometimes grow to more than 50 feet tall.

Tree Pruning

When it comes to tree trimming for your trident maple, keep in mind that it’s important to promote a strong structure to support the tree’s health. Remember to make clean cuts and do not tear the bark while you work, and use a pruning saw for thicker limbs. Also, pruning dead, broken, or diseased limbs should be done as soon as you spot them.