Trident Maple

Trident Maple (Acer buergerianum)

Trident Maple (Acer buergerianum) is a refined, adaptable small to medium shade tree valued for its neat canopy, attractive branching, and clean three-lobed leaves that bring a calm, structured look to the landscape. It develops a dense green crown through summer that provides comfortable shade without feeling oversized, making it a smart fit for residential yards, courtyards, and streetscapes. In fall, foliage turns warm tones that often include yellow, orange, and red, adding a noticeable seasonal finish. With its tidy habit and design-friendly scale, Trident Maple makes an excellent focal point tree for spaces where you want a composed canopy and reliable performance.

Distinctive Features

The defining trait is the leaf shape, with small three-lobed leaves that create a fine, clean texture and a canopy that reads as orderly and intentional. The tree typically develops an attractive branching structure and a rounded crown, making it useful for both informal lawns and more structured landscape designs. Fall color can be strong and warm, providing seasonal change without requiring flowers or fruit. As it matures, the tree offers a balanced silhouette and a sense of permanence, serving as a long-term landscape anchor at a size that fits many properties.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade; best canopy density and color in full sun.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is ideal; adaptable once established.
• Water: Moderate; water regularly during establishment, then as needed during extended dry periods.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9.
• Habit: Deciduous small to medium tree with a rounded, dense canopy.
• Mature Size: About 25 to 35 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a specimen where the neat canopy and warm fall color can anchor the landscape.
• Street and Driveway Planting: A strong fit for larger planting strips where a tidy canopy is preferred.
• Courtyard and Small Yards: Provides shade and structure without the scale of larger shade trees.
• Formal and Structured Designs: Clean leaf texture and composed form pair well with clipped shrubs and simple hardscape.
• Mixed Border Backdrop: Add height and a calm canopy behind shrubs and perennials for layered planting designs.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during the first one to two seasons; once established, supplemental watering during drought supports canopy health.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3 inch mulch layer over the root zone to conserve moisture and protect roots, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to develop strong structure and remove crossing branches; maintain a clear trunk if desired.
• Feeding: Fertilize lightly in spring if growth is slow; avoid heavy feeding that can push weak growth.
• General Care: Maintain a clear mulch ring and avoid trunk damage to support long-term vigor.

Why Choose Trident Maple?

• Neat, Design-Friendly Canopy: Provides a tidy crown that looks intentional in many landscape styles.
• Fine Leaf Texture: Three-lobed leaves create a clean, refined look through the growing season.
• Warm Fall Color: Delivers seasonal change with yellow, orange, and red tones.
• Manageable Shade Tree Size: Offers shade and structure without overwhelming smaller properties.
• Easy Focal Point Value: Adds canopy, structure, and seasonal interest with straightforward care.

If you want a refined small to medium shade tree with a tidy canopy and warm fall color, Trident Maple delivers long-term structure and focal point presence in a landscape-friendly size.