Many people complain about not being able to grow grass under Norway maples because of the dense shade and surface roots. The roots damage paving and sewer lines. The fact that it can grow in heavy shade makes it a “sneaky” invasive plant.
why are Norway maples bad?
Norway Maples have severe environmental impacts: They grow faster than native maples and other forest trees and its dense, shallow root system makes it difficult for native seedlings to get established. It is tolerant of poor soils and air pollution, making it the dominant tree in many urban settings.
where is the Norway maple invasive?
Norway maple has been reported to be invasive throughout the northeastern U.S. from Maine to Wisconsin, south to Tennessee and Virginia and also in the Pacific Northwest. Over time, as reforestation occurred across the Northeast, Norway maple joined native tree species as a component of eastern forest ecosystems.
how does the Norway maple spread?
Biology and Spread: Norway maple reproduces by seed, which each tree produces in large amounts. The winged fruits are spread by the wind. The seeds germinate readily, even in dense shade, and grow quickly when young.
Are maple trees an invasive species?
Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) has been recognized as an occasional invasive exotic in various parts of eastern North America. Toronto is one area where concern has been expressed for this species.
Are Norway maples bad?
The shallow, fibrous root system and dense shade of Norway maple make it virtually impossible for grass to grow under the tree, and the aggressive roots frequently girdle even the parent tree, ultimately choking itself to death, making it a bad tree if you’re planning on growing anything else around it. You may also read,
What is the prettiest maple tree?
Red Maple Trees It is best to stick with cultivars known for their fall color consistency, such as the reliably red Autumn Blaze (Acer x freemanii ‘Jeffersred’). Autumn blaze becomes 50 feet tall by 40 feet wide and is suited to zones 3 to 8. Plant it in acidic soil and in full sun to partial shade. Check the answer of
What is the lifespan of a Norway maple?
It typically produces a large quantity of viable seeds. Under ideal conditions in its native range, Norway maple may live up to 250 years, but often has a much shorter life expectancy; in North America, for example, sometimes only 60 years.
How long do Norway maples live?
60 to 200 years Read:
Are maple keys poisonous to dogs?
Red maple leaves can be toxic to dogs. Same with “Helicopter leaves” (they’re actually seeds).
How far do red maple roots spread?
Description. Height: 35 to 75 feet. Spread: 15 to 40 feet.
How do you kill a Norway maple?
Girdling big trees by cutting deeply into the bark around the trunk will effectively kill them. Once the trees are removed, it is critical to act quickly to transplant native trees into the spaces the Norway maples used to occupy.
What will grow under Norway maple?
Or consider planting shade tolerant groundcovers under the tree. Hostas, wild ginger, deadnettle (Lamium maculatum), variegated yellow archangel (Lamium galeobdolon ‘Variegatum’), and barrenwort (Epimedium) are just a few of the plants you could try.
What does a Norway maple tree look like?
Norway maples have simple, green, and opposite leaves. Leaves of Norway maples usually are broader than they are high, about four to seven inches wide, with five prominent lobes. The bark of a Norway maple is grayish black and furrowed.
How fast does a Norway maple tree grow?
A Norway maple cultivar (A. platanoides “Variegatum”), for example grows up to 60 feet tall with a crown as wide as 50 feet. Unlike other Norway maples, it is a relatively fast grower at 12 to 18 inches per year but will grow to optimum size and at this rate only to USDA zone 7.
