3 Thriving Types of Maple Trees in Georgia

Much like other states, the state of Georgia has hundreds of species of trees for you to enjoy. Whether you’re a homeowner or the manager of a public park or garden, knowing which trees do best here is a smart thing to do because it can help you create a beautiful, healthy-looking outdoor area in the end. Today we’ll take a look at 3 thriving maples in the state of Georgia.

The Live oak is the state tree of Georgia, but numerous other trees thrive there as well. Since the state has 44 state parks and two national parks, there is room for a lot of different trees. For instance, there are at least 17 different kinds of pine trees growing in Georgia.

Some of the most common trees there include birch, oak, beech, mulberry, ash, and maple, not to mention trees such as juniper, sweet-leaf, bald cypress, persimmon, and heath, among others.

Indeed, since 67% of the land in Georgia is forested, there is little wonder why this is a tree-lover’s paradise. If you’re researching maple trees in the state because you need a great shade tree planted in your yard, you can get details on the maples found in Georgia by reading the detailed information below. This is a great guide for both individuals and city managers, and you can get even more details by going online.

1. Southern Sugar Maple (acer saccharum)

Sugar Maple acer saccharum leaves
Plant Image Library Sugar Maple (acer saccharum) leaves

Southern sugar maple trees are beautiful trees, especially in the fall when their brightly colored leaves come out to display themselves. They are majestic-looking as well, getting up to an impressive 115 feet in height. Also called the rock maple, this tree is also the most widely used maple tree when making syrup.

These are easy-to-grow trees that are often found in public gardens and parks, as well as other urban areas, and the leaves are large at eight inches long and come in colors such as yellow, orange, and bright orange-red in the fall.

2. Red Maple (acer rubrum)

With a height of around 100 feet, this is a regal-looking tree with leaves that come in many different forms. In addition, since the tree can accommodate different soil and site conditions, it can be grown practically anywhere. It is the most abundant native tree in the eastern part of the United States, and it is often planted in large urban areas thanks to its massive root system.

With wood that can be used to make everything from furniture to musical instruments, the red maple tree is also used to make maple syrup.

3. Striped Maple (acer pensylvanicum)

The Striped maple tree is rather small compared to other maples, growing to roughly 30-feet in height. The bark starts out in green-and-white stripes but gets to a brown color when the tree matures. The leaves are 3 to 6 inches long and have three lobes. The trees bloom in the spring time and like other maples, they make a great shade tree.

Interestingly, the bark of the Striped maple tree is eaten by certain animals, including beavers, deer, and rabbits. It’s also common in Michigan.