Many maple species are in a real hurry to become majestic trees with massive, sprawling canopies. On the other hand, some of their cousins are perfectly happy staying low to the ground in a compact, shrub-like form. Because of this, there’s no “one size fits all” number when it comes to how much a maple grows in a year.
Growth Rates Vary by Species
Depending on the variety, a maple’s annual growth can range anywhere from 2 inches to about 2 feet. That means the fastest-growing species reach for the sky ten times quicker than the slow-pokes! However, keep in mind that these “sprints” usually happen during the first ten years of the tree’s life, when growth is most consistent. After that first decade, the fast growers tend to shift gears and slow down a bit. To give you a good comparison, the numbers below refer to that initial ten-year growth phase.
Growth Rates for Popular Maple Species
- Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus): 16 to 32 inches
- David Maple (Acer davidii): 8 to 24 inches
- Boxelder (Acer negundo): 6 to 10 inches
- Hedge Maple (Acer campestre): 12 to 18 inches
- Amur Maple (Acer ginnala): 14 to 16 inches
- Fullmoon Maple (Acer japonicum): 2 to 12 inches (depending on the cultivar)
- Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): 2 to 8 inches (depending on the cultivar)
- Globe Maple (Acer platanoides ‘Globosum’): 8 to 16 inches
- Redvein Maple (Acer rufinerve): 8 to 12 inches
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum): 6 to 24 inches
- Red Snakebark Maple (Acer capillipes): 6 to 12 inches
- Norway Maple (Acer platanoides): 4 to 24 inches
- Snakebark Maple (Acer conspicuum): 8 to 32 inches (depending on the cultivar)
- Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum): 2 to 8 inches
- Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum): 8 to 20 inches
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking to plant a maple hedge on your property, the Hedge Maple is your best bet. It grows thick and compact, and it handles being pruned several times a year like a champ.
Location and Care: The Secret Sauce for Growth
Annual growth isn’t set in stone. You’ll notice we use ranges rather than exact numbers because so much depends on the environment. While you can’t control the weather, you definitely have a say in two major growth factors: location and care—specifically watering and fertilizing. It goes without saying that the more you tailor these to your maple’s specific needs, the faster and healthier it will grow.
Quick Note:
Some of the smaller species do great in pots on a balcony. Just keep in mind that because the roots can’t spread out as much in a container, the tree will grow a bit slower and stay smaller than it would if it were planted in the ground.
