Maple trees in August and related - Ask Extension
Hi! I work with elementary aged students as I am doing some programming on the theme of trees in August. I'd like to give them a seedling to take home...
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Maple trees in August and related #786723
Asked April 13, 2022, 2:18 PM EDT
Hi! I work with elementary aged students as I am doing some programming on the theme of trees in August. I'd like to give them a seedling to take home, preferably a sugar maple (as we can do things with maple syrup and other fun stuff in the program). I've read that fall is the best time to plant maples. Do you agree with this? And if I pot the maples up, do you think they'll do well enough until they are planted? I don't want to hand out seedlings knowing they'll all just die! (Still with the age group I'd only hope for about a 50% survival rate!)
Also, do you know of any programs that have discounted or free trees for students? Any groups I could contact to see if such a thing was possible?
(I went with maples as they are on your waterwise and fire safe lists...but I would consider other ideas.)
Thanks!
-Josie Hanneman
Deschutes County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Josie:
The sugar maple, Acer Saccharum, is a great choice. I've attached several fact sheets that may help you in your lesson planning.
Sugar Maple Fact Sheet
Sugar Maple, University of Idaho Fact Sheet
As far as planting, in eastern Oregon there are two planting seasons: early to late fall (September to November) until the ground freezes; and in the spring just after the ground has thawed until late May. Avoid planting trees in hot, dry, weather. It would be best if they could plant their tree as soon as possible. Potted seedlings will require more care to ensure the roots do not dry out or stay too wet. If they do have to wait, best to keep it on the north side of the house, sheltered from direct sunlight, heat and wind.
I have another bulletin that gives great advice on planting and a variety of tree choices if you decide the Sugar Maple won't work for you.
Selecting, Planting, and Caring for a New Tree
Central Oregon Plant Resource Guide
Good luck, it sounds like a fun project.
The sugar maple, Acer Saccharum, is a great choice. I've attached several fact sheets that may help you in your lesson planning.
Sugar Maple Fact Sheet
Sugar Maple, University of Idaho Fact Sheet
As far as planting, in eastern Oregon there are two planting seasons: early to late fall (September to November) until the ground freezes; and in the spring just after the ground has thawed until late May. Avoid planting trees in hot, dry, weather. It would be best if they could plant their tree as soon as possible. Potted seedlings will require more care to ensure the roots do not dry out or stay too wet. If they do have to wait, best to keep it on the north side of the house, sheltered from direct sunlight, heat and wind.
I have another bulletin that gives great advice on planting and a variety of tree choices if you decide the Sugar Maple won't work for you.
Selecting, Planting, and Caring for a New Tree
Central Oregon Plant Resource Guide
Good luck, it sounds like a fun project.
