Published in the Contra Costa Times on November 26,2005

Acer buergeranum - Trident Maple

Picture from the Stanford tree web site trees.stanford.edu/images/ACER/fig289%20copy.gif

Q. Is Trident maple a good tree for front yards?

A. This maple is underutilized and does very well in our area in contrast with the many maples that become stressed with the clayey soils and high pH common to much of the area. Acer buergeranum is a relatively small tree, with a height of about 30 and an equal spread. The rich green leaves are lighter on the underside, have three lobes and turn a rich butter gold to scarlet in the fall. Tridents will tolerate poor air quality, wind, compacted soils, a wide pH range, poor drainage and some drought, although like most landscape plants they do best with regular watering. The roots are not invasive, and not prone to lifting sidewalks. The bark is gray and platey, and if it exfoliates with age the smooth orange inner bark is seen. They are not prone to pests of disease, although they are vulnerable to Armillaria fungus, and should not be planted in a site that has been diagnosed. This is very popular bonsai tree, and will tolerate pruning gracefully. This is an underutilized tree in most urban neighborhoods. Fall is the best time to plant, and the best time to select a tree with good fall color.

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