Old-growth conditions include a high quantity of dead wood (snags, stumps, and fallen logs) in a diversity of ages, sizes, and stages of decomposition, high basal area, large diameter canopy dominants, multilayered canopies, numerous canopy gaps of diverse age and size, and pit and mound microtopography from continual, frequent windthrow. Due to the long interval between large-scale disturbances, mesic southern forests tend to be multi-generational, with old-growth conditions lasting several centuries. Recruitment of saplings within treefall gaps is typically by shade-tolerant species (primarily sugar maple and American beech) that can exist suppressed beneath the closed canopy for decades. Small-scale disturbance events are the primary source of forest turnover. Frequent small-scale disturbance events generate a forest mosaic of different-aged patches of gaps of a wide range of sizes the majority of gaps are between 100 and 400 square meters. Approximately 1% of the total area of mesic forest is within recent gap (less than one year old) and the average canopy residence time ranges between 50 and 200 years. In addition to wind disturbance, glaze or ice storms are a significant source of intermediate disturbance, thinning the canopy and promoting tree regeneration over hundreds to thousands of acres. Severe low pressure systems generate small-scale canopy gaps, while catastrophic windthrow associated with tornadoes and downbursts can impact large areas. The natural disturbance regime of mesic southern forest is characterized by frequent small-scale wind disturbance or gap-phase dynamics and infrequent, intermediate- to large-scale wind events. About the Natural Community Classification.Winged seed capsules form and are carried by the wind in helicopter motion. Palmate leaves provide a brilliant color change for fall landscapes. Leaf scorch may be a problem in drought conditions. They occasionally have issues with verticillium wilt, anthracnose, cankers, leaf spot and tar spot. Southern sugar maple has been shown to be susceptible to aphids, borers and scale, but generally no treatment is needed.Light shaping and pruning the tree’s lower branches can help to guide the final form of the tree. Little to no pruning should be required for this tree.Ensure proper soil moisture while the tree becomes established (at least six months).Will reach 25-foot widths, so space them no less than 15 feet apart.Southern sugar maples will reach mature heights of up to 40 feet in as little as 20 years.No supplemental fertilizer should be needed. The southern sugar maple is well adapted to many soil conditions.This allows for roots to begin establishment before the spring growth period. Fall and winter are the best time to plant.Southern sugar maples do best in full sun but can handle part shade.Correct any circling roots before planting. Southern sugar maples provide habitat for many nesting bird species and are a preferred tree for insect foraging by birds. The southern sugar maple is a food source for several wildlife species, including the rosy maple moth. The leaves seem to “fire up” as they change from yellow to orange to scarlet in the fall. ![]() The southern sugar maple is one of the few reliable fall color species, even in south Louisiana. Its small leaves and low height make it an ideal tree for hurricane zones. ![]() It has few reported pest or disease issues and is considered to be a low-maintenance tree. It has a moderate to fast growth habit and will reach heights of up to 40 feet in as little as 20 years. A naturally occurring variety of the sugar maple, it has adapted to live in the hot and wet climates of Louisiana, doing particularly well in southern Louisiana. The southern sugar maple is a native deciduous shade tree that is underutilized in Louisiana. Southern sugar maple is one of the top choices for fall color in Louisiana. ![]() Highlights: Deciduous tree with beautiful fall color native shade tree.Size: Height: 30-40 feet Width: 20-25 feet.Recommended Use: Ornamental, wildlife habitat, fall color.
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