Trident Maple Tree

Whether used as a shade tree, street tree, or bonsai tree, Trident Maple Tree will add stunning visual interest to landscapes and containers. Its unique trident-shaped leaves turn a magnificent scarlet, orange, and golden yellow during the fall. Also known as Acer buergerianum, this small-to-medium deciduous tree also features unique exfoliating bark, revealing chestnut brown bark beneath. Inconspicuous chartreuse flowers bloom during early spring.

Native to Asia, Trident Maple has a low-branching, multi-stemmed growth habit. It is drought tolerant, wind tolerant, and cold hardy in zones 5-9. Being highly adaptable, Trident Maple works well as a specimen in beds or large containers. It provides shade from spring to fall and adds focal interest to landscapes and patios. It is a good candidate for a Japanese bonsai or Chinese penjing tree. 

Trident Maple Tree Care

Plant this tree during spring or fall in full sun. The soil should be moist, but well drained, and slightly acidic. Add a 2-4-inch ring of mulch after planting. While a juvenile, Trident Maple requires deep waterings when the top layer of soil is dry. After reaching maturity, it needs watering only during drought. This ornamental requires little fertilizer. However, if a mature tree shows signs of stunted growth, apply a slow-release (10-4-6) fertilizer.

Prune during winter and mid-summer. Trim crossed branches to shape saplings and seedlings. Prune mature trees using the three-cut method to control size and remove low-hanging limbs. In colder climates, wrap young trees with burlap, and move containers indoors into a shed or garage with no heat. 

Trident Maple Tree Spacing

Trident Maple reaches 20 to 30 feet high and wide. Space each tree 20 to 30 feet apart. Choose a location that allows 30 feet for spreading. Ensure it is 15 feet away from a foundation, sidewalk, patio, or driveway, and 30 feet away from overhead power lines. Plant it in woodland gardens along with companion plants such as Japanese maple, arborvitae, camellia, gardenia, azalea, pansies, hellebore, and stone crop.

Trident Maple Tree Information