Commemoration Sugar Maple

Commemoration Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'Commemoration')

Commemoration Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'Commemoration') is a refined selection of native sugar maple known for its early and vibrant fall color, strong central leader, and improved heat and drought tolerance. Chosen for landscape durability and vivid seasonal performance, this cultivar brings classic sugar maple characteristics into a more uniform and reliable form. It�s a top choice for shade, structure, and long-term beauty in large residential and civic plantings.

Distinctive Features

'Commemoration' typically grows 45 to 50 feet tall with a spread of 35 to 40 feet, forming a symmetrical, oval-rounded canopy. Its dark green foliage remains clean and glossy throughout the summer, turning brilliant shades of golden-orange to red earlier in fall than most sugar maples. The tree develops a strong central trunk with even, upright branching�reducing the need for corrective pruning and making it more storm-resilient than typical seed-grown sugar maples. Its vigor and dependable fall color make it an effective and attractive focal point in large-scale landscape plans.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun; best color and canopy development with at least six hours of direct light daily.
• Soil: Prefers deep, moist, well-drained soils but tolerates a variety of soil textures once established.
• Water: Moderate; appreciates consistent moisture, especially in the first few years, but tolerates short periods of drought once mature.
• Humidity: Adaptable to both humid and semi-humid climates with proper care.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�8; reliable across much of the eastern, central, and upper Midwest U.S.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Large scale and fiery fall color make it an impressive centerpiece in open landscapes.
• Shade Trees: Broad canopy offers significant shade for lawns, patios, and play areas.
• Streetscapes and Boulevards: Upright branching and strong trunk structure suit wide medians and parkway plantings.
• Parks and Campuses: Low maintenance and long-lived, ideal for public spaces and institutional grounds.
• Estate or Legacy Trees: Plant as a long-term investment in shade, structure, and seasonal interest.

Low Maintenance Care

Commemoration Sugar Maple is easy to manage once established, with strong resistance to storm damage and little need for structural pruning. It rewards thoughtful placement with decades of reliable performance and fall beauty.

• Watering: Deep water during dry periods in the first few seasons; mature trees handle brief droughts well.
• Pruning: Shape in late winter if needed to maintain strong structure; naturally forms a central leader with upright branching.
• Fertilizing: Use a slow-release fertilizer in early spring if growth slows or foliage shows nutrient deficiency.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Excellent resistance to common maple pests; maintains foliage quality into late season.
• Winter Care: Fully hardy with no special protection needed in cold climates.

Why Choose Commemoration Sugar Maple?

Commemoration Sugar Maple offers all the benefits of native sugar maple�shade, beauty, longevity�along with improved color, structure, and resilience. It�s a landscape-grade tree built for performance and permanence.

• Early and Brilliant Fall Color: Deep orange to red foliage appears earlier than standard sugar maples.
• Strong Central Leader: Upright form reduces pruning and promotes structural integrity.
• Improved Drought Tolerance: More adaptable to heat and dry spells than seed-grown sugar maples.
• Clean Foliage: Glossy green leaves hold up well into late season with minimal tatter or scorch.
• Native Heritage: Supports native ecosystems while elevating the landscape with formal appeal.

With improved color, form, and environmental tolerance, Commemoration Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'Commemoration') is a top-tier shade tree for landscapes that demand long-term beauty and structural reliability.