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Photo: lipika/Getty ImagesMaple trees rank among the most beloved and widespread trees, and it's easy to see why. Even without expertise in tree identification, their iconic five-pointed, hand-shaped leaves are instantly recognizable. These trees are celebrated for their stunning fall foliage, which signals the arrival of autumn. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, certain maple species can reach heights exceeding 120 feet, making them excellent natural shade providers. With around 132 species globally, we’ve curated a list of some of our top maple tree recommendations below.
1. Red Maple
Riderolga/Getty ImagesThe red maple tree offers stunning color throughout the year. Its leaves are usually green during summer, but in spring, it blooms with clusters of red flowers and produces red fruits known as samaras. As autumn arrives, the foliage transforms into a brilliant, eye-catching red. Known for its fast growth, the red maple is also an excellent choice for adding shade to your landscape.
2. Japanese Maple
kornyeyeva/Getty ImagesJapanese maples come in various sizes, from compact dwarf types to shrubs and small trees. Their foliage is delicate, with star-shaped, pointed leaves that have five to nine palmate lobes. Low-maintenance and visually rewarding, these trees dazzle with their vibrant autumn hues.
3. Sugar Maple
Wolterk/Getty ImagesWhile any maple tree can produce maple syrup, sugar maples are the top choice due to their high sugar content, making them ideal for tapping. However, you don’t need to be a syrup enthusiast to appreciate these trees. Sugar maples are widely planted for their ornamental value and shade, and their leaves put on a spectacular show with bright yellow-orange hues in the fall.
4. Paperbark Maple
Michel VIARD/Getty ImagesWhat makes this maple tree unique is its bark, not its leaves. The reddish-brown bark peels off in thin, paper-like layers. With an upright, oval shape and a compact size, this maple is perfect for smaller yards or patios. The paperbark maple is among the last to display fall colors, often retaining its leaves deep into winter.
5. Silver Maple
Grace Cary/Getty ImagesThe silver maple tree gets its name from the silvery hue on the undersides of its leaves. Known for their rapid growth, these trees offer excellent shade and stunning autumn colors. However, their shallow root systems can cause damage to sidewalks and foundations, so it’s crucial to plant them at least 10 feet away from structures or pathways. Be sure to thoroughly research before adding a silver maple to your landscape.
