Plant a Sugar Maple or the Green Giant Arborvitae?
The Sugar Maple is an outstanding shade tree that has reliable
fall color. The Sugar Maples are found througout the eastern
states and are prized shade trees. Sugar Maples are also known
as Rock Maples because the wood is so hard. Where the trees are
found in open areas they can easily grow to 80 feet tall by 40
feet wide. This tree likes rich deep soils with moisture and
good drainage. Clay soils prevent good root penetration and thus
affect the trees performance. Sugar Maples roots should be
protected from heavy equipment which can compact the soil
causing the plant decline. For these reasons in urban areas this
tree is not the best choice even though it is widly planted
there. This tree is often planted where there is new
construction and the trees commonly are hard to establish
without some noticeable plant decline on transplanting.
On the other hand you could consider the Green Giant Arborvitae.
Like our farm, Highland Hill Farm, Yardley Pa. is located in an
area with lots of clay. We therefore like plants that grow well
in clay. Arborvitae, in particular the Green Giant is our
favorite. Here is why. The hardiness zone for the Green Giant
Arborvitae is from zones 5 to 8. Its evergreen with rapid growth
rates that in ideal conditions can be up to 3 feet per year.
Site requirements for the green giant is sun to partial shade,
moist well drained soil but does well in clay, and needs
protection from wind .It is easier to establish than a Sugar
Maple in the urban envirement. Its texture is fine with its form
conical being narrow to broadly pyramidal, reaching from 50 to
80' in height to 15 to 20 feet in width. The leaf is rich green
graceful foliage. It keeps its foliage color in the winter. The
Green Giants flowers/fruit are .5" erect female cones. The Green
Giant has strong wood, casts dense shade, and has cinnamon red
bark when young. Arborvitae do not tolerate salt spray. These
arborvitae should outlive even your children.