Apollo Sugar Maple

Apollo Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'Barrett Cole')

Apollo Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'Barrett Cole') is a refined shade tree with a strong upright habit and the classic look that makes sugar maples a staple in American landscapes. It delivers the familiar deep green summer canopy and a fall finish that can turn rich gold to orange, bringing a true seasonal payoff when the temperature drops. The narrower, more columnar form makes it easier to fit into residential yards, streetscapes, and tighter planting zones where a traditional sugar maple might be too wide. When you want a long-term tree that adds stature and becomes a focal point as it matures, Apollo Sugar Maple is a strong choice.

Distinctive Features

This selection is valued for its upright, space-conscious form, which helps create height and presence without demanding as much width as many large shade trees. The foliage has the classic sugar maple look, with clean lobed leaves that create a dense, cooling canopy in summer. As fall arrives, the tree brings strong seasonal color that reads from a distance and adds warmth to the landscape. Over time, it develops a sturdy structure and an established look that works well in both traditional and more modern landscape designs.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade; best growth and fall color in full sun.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; prefers fertile, slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
• Water: Moderate; water regularly during establishment, then deep-water during prolonged dry periods.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8.
• Habit: Deciduous shade tree with an upright to narrowly oval canopy.
• Mature Size: About 40 to 60 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a primary shade tree that anchors the landscape with height, canopy, and fall color.
• Street and Driveway Planting: The more upright form fits better along streets, driveways, and tighter planting strips.
• Backyard Shade: Create a cooling canopy over lawns, patios, and outdoor living areas.
• Large Border and Property Structure: Add long-term structure and seasonal change along property lines or behind layered plantings.
• Classic Landscape Designs: A natural fit for traditional homes where a sugar maple look feels timeless and established.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during the first two seasons to establish roots; continue watering during drought for best 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 branch structure and remove crossing or damaged limbs.
• Feeding: Fertilize lightly in spring if growth is slow; avoid overfeeding, which can push weak growth.
• Site Considerations: Give adequate root space and avoid compacted soils when possible to support long-term performance.

Why Choose Apollo Sugar Maple?

• Classic Sugar Maple Canopy: Delivers the familiar shade and leaf texture that makes sugar maples so valued.
• Space-Conscious Form: Upright habit provides presence without the extreme width of many large shade trees.
• Strong Fall Color: Brings warm seasonal color that adds a noticeable autumn finish.
• Long-Term Landscape Value: Develops into a substantial, high-impact tree that elevates the entire property.
• Easy Focal Point Tree: Creates a signature look in yards, streetscapes, and larger landscapes as it matures.

If you want the classic sugar maple look in a more upright form that fits residential landscapes more easily, Apollo Sugar Maple delivers shade, seasonal color, and focal point presence that only improves with age.