Shantung Maple Tree

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Size
Regular price $188.00

$1500+, BUNDLE20 for 20% off
$3000+, BUNDLE30 for 30% off
$7000+, Contact our sales team

For questions on bulk order discounts
Please contact us at sales@simplytrees.com

1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 10 or 15 gallon

Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

The Shantung Maple Tree stands out with its glossy green, star-shaped leaves and dazzling fall display in golden yellow, orange, and red. Compact and resilient, it’s a top choice for smaller landscapes, driveways, or front yards needing shade without overwhelming the space. It thrives in a variety of climates and adds year-round interest to any garden.

  • Botanical name: Acer truncatum
  • Deciduous
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sun; can tolerate partial shade

WATER:
Water deeply once or twice a week during the first year. After establishment, water occasionally during dry spells.

LEVEL OF CARE: EASY
The Shantung Maple Tree is adaptable and beginner-friendly.

PET-FRIENDLY?:
Generally considered non-toxic, but always monitor pets around outdoor plants.

Note: Fall foliage color may vary depending on sunlight, climate, and soil conditions.

Shantung Maples grow into a broad, rounded shape over time. Young trees may appear more upright but will naturally fill out as they mature.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Shantung Maple Tree, scientifically known as Acer truncatum, is a compact, ornamental shade tree prized for its glossy green foliage and exceptional fall color in shades of gold, orange, and red. This hardy and drought-tolerant maple adapts well to urban settings, making it a popular choice for driveways, front yards, and small landscapes. Its moderate size and stunning seasonal display make it a standout feature in any outdoor space.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate; matures to 20–30 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water deeply once or twice a week during the first growing season. Once established, water during prolonged dry periods, especially in extreme heat. Shantung Maples grow best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Aim for 6 or more hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fall foliage.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Pruning: Prune during dormancy in late winter or early spring to remove crossing or dead branches and maintain a balanced canopy. Minimal pruning is needed once the tree is mature.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can lead to leggy growth and reduced fall color.

Winter Protection: Cold-hardy down to Zone 4, the Shantung Maple generally needs no winter protection. Young trees may benefit from mulch at the base to insulate roots in northern regions.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Loosen any tangled roots before planting, then backfill with native soil, tamping down gently to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk. Stake young trees if needed and monitor soil moisture consistently during the first growing season.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 4-9

The Shantung Maple thrives in a wide range of climates, performing reliably in USDA Zones 4 through 9. It tolerates cold winters, hot summers, and even urban air pollution, making it well-suited for both rural and city environments. Native to China but widely grown across the U.S., this adaptable tree prefers well-draining soil and resists drought once established. Its versatility and manageable size make it a favorite for residential landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Shantung Maple Tree grows to a mature size of 20–30 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized yards. Its rounded canopy provides beautiful shade without overpowering your landscape.

The Shantung Maple grows at a moderate rate, typically adding 12–18 inches of height per year under ideal conditions.

Plant your Shantung Maple in a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It’s a great choice for front yards, driveways, or smaller landscape areas where a compact, ornamental shade tree is needed.

The Shantung Maple Tree is easy to care for with the right planting location, consistent watering, and seasonal maintenance. Follow these tips to help your tree thrive:

• Watering: Water your Shantung Maple deeply once or twice per week during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once established, it requires minimal watering—just during extended drought or heat.
• Sunlight: Choose a planting location with full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day promotes vibrant fall color and healthy growth.
• Soil: This tree thrives in well-draining soil and adapts to a range of soil types, including clay, loam, or sandy soil.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain a balanced shape.
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release tree fertilizer to support strong trunk development and lush foliage.
• Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base (keeping it a few inches from the trunk) to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

This tree is known for its brilliant fall color, typically appearing in mid to late fall. Expect vibrant gold, orange, and red foliage that stands out in any landscape.

The best time to plant is in early spring or fall, when temperatures are cooler and the tree can establish roots before extreme weather sets in. Fall planting allows for stronger growth the following spring.

Prune in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain a balanced canopy. Minimal pruning is needed once mature.

Shantung Maples are cold-hardy down to Zone 4 and typically do not need winter protection. In colder regions, applying mulch around the base can help insulate the roots of young trees.

Yes, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy foliage and strong growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce fall color and cause leggy growth.

Yes, the Shantung Maple is considered a non-invasive and environmentally friendly alternative to more aggressive species like the Norway Maple. It offers similar shade and ornamental beauty without posing a threat to native ecosystems.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

Simply Trees Nationwide Shipping

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We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.