The Maple tree is one of the most beautiful trees in the fall season.

Different shades of reds, orange, and yellows turn the normal summertime pattern of green into a sea of enormous autumn splendor. There are so many varieties of this plant family around the world.

These trees are known as shade or ornamental trees. There is some misconception with this as even though they are called shade trees, most of the trees can tolerate full sun. They are called shade trees as their major role is to provide shade for those warm summer days.












Five of the most popular trees of this plant family are the Sugar, Red, Silver, Red Japanese and Norway. Of course we all know that one of the best rewards for having these trees close by is the natural sweet flavor of maple syrup.












Sugar - grows wonderful in zones three through eight. It is considered an ornamental tree and can reach heights of sixty to seven five feet. The width can range from forty to fifty feet.

In spring the leaves appear in the normal green color and by fall they begin the transformation into vivid reds, orange and yellow tones. The Sugar can take sun or shade and likes the soil moist. Squirrels love to eat the seeds.

Red - The Red is considered a shade tree. It does well in zones three through nine and grows at a medium to fast pace. The Red can reach get forty to sixty feet high and thirty two feet or more wide. The fall foliage provides us with beautiful red or yellow leaves.



This variety will grow in many different soil conditions. Especially loves sandy, acid and clay base. The red will benefit from wet conditions.

Silver - This is one of the fastest growing Maple Trees. The Silver will do well in zones three is through nine and reaches fifty to eighty feet in the air.

The width is thirty to forty feet. The leaves are silver tones with a splash of white or cream color. Plant the Silver away from outdoor structures such as driveways, walkways, or near foundations as it has a massive root system.














Red Japanese - This is a favorite in zones five through eight. Both the upright and the weeping provide spectacular rich purple tones spring through fall.

The upright can reach twenty five feet high and twenty five feet wide. The Al-sir-pall-MAY-tum will grow ten feet tall and ten feet wide.

The weeping will go five to six high and four to five wide. Loves the morning sun and does well if it gets some afternoon shade. Great specimen for a focal point in a landscape garden.

Norway - has a one to two foot diameter. The height can range from forty to fifty feet and can go up to ninety feet.

Loves full sun but can take some shade. The fall foliage stays green or turns to a striking yellow color. Loves moist soil and is very drought tolerant as well as poor drainage areas. The Norway is one of the most adaptable trees of the plant family.

This is just a little description of five favorite Maples. The photos below will show you different scenes taken from the North Carolina mountains about 5,000 or more feet up.

This is the Laurel Creek and Sam Knob area off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is very common to see clouds draped over the mountains at different times of the day. The autumn season engulfs the beauty of this area as well as the colorful foliage. Make sure you check out Blue Ridge Parkway and plan your trip today. Great information for all your vacation and hiking trips.
























Go ahead and take the time to go for a drive and view your gorgeous fall foliage, or think about planting some Maple trees in your landscape garden .