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Maple Tree
Shantung Maple Tree
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Zones 4-9
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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts
From our farm to your front door
- Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
- Soil secured so it stays put in transit
- Packed so the plant stays steady on the way to you
At a glance
- Sunlight
- Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
- Water
- When the top 2" of soil is dry
- Growth & size
- Moderate growth rate; matures to 20–30 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide
- Botanical name
- Acer truncatum
- Hardiness
- Zones 4-9
- Tolerates
- Cold hardyHeat tolerantDrought tolerantWind tolerant
Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.
Not sure it'll thrive where you live?Real people who answer questions before and after planting.
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Size guide & what arrives
Size Facts
| *Trade size | **Pot size |
|---|---|
| 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" | 7 or 10 or 15 gallon |
*Nursery gallon sizes are trade sizes and do not equal standard liquid gallons.
**Pot sizes in inches refer to container width (diameter), not plant or pot height.
Please note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties and growers. Please chat with us if you need clarification.
For more information on sizing, please see our sizing guide.
What arrives
Good to know
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.
What customers are saying
5.0
out of 5 · 7 verified reviews
rated it 4 or 5 stars
Why customers love it
Healthy, well-rooted plants
Hand-selected and shipped in its nursery pot.
Delivered to your door
Skip the nursery trip. Very little car Tetris required.
Real plant experts
Ask us anything before or after planting.
1-year guarantee
If something goes wrong, we'll help make it right.
Care made simple
Plant it right once and it does the rest.
Difficulty Easy
Sun
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Pick the spot before you dig.
Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry
Water slowly and deeply. Check more often in its first summer.
Grows in
Zones 4-9
Enter your ZIP above to check your zone.
Your first year together
- 1Day 1
Plant it, then water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.
- 2First few weeks
Keep the soil evenly moist while new roots settle in.
- 3First summer
Water deeply during hot, dry spells.
- 4Next spring
New growth starts. Feed as it wakes up.
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.
Watering & sunlight
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.
Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering.
Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.
Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.
Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.
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.
Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering.
Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.
Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.
Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.
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.
Care guide
Shipping & what's inside
Your plant ships in its nursery pot with the soil secured, packed so it stays steady on the way to you.
1-year guarantee
Every plant is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.
Answered by Simply Trees plant expertsHow big does the Shantung Maple Tree get?
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.
How fast does the Shantung Maple Tree grow?
The Shantung Maple grows at a moderate rate, typically adding 12–18 inches of height per year under ideal conditions.
Where is the best place to plant a Shantung Maple Tree?
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.
How do I care for a Shantung Maple Tree?
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.
• 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.
When does the Shantung Maple Tree show fall color?
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.
When is the best time to plant a Shantung Maple Tree?
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.
How do you prune a Shantung Maple Tree?
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.
Do I need to winterize my Shantung Maple Tree?
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.
Should I fertilize my Shantung Maple Tree?
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.
Is the Shantung Maple Tree a good alternative to invasive maple species?
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.
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