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Maple Tree
Trident Maple Tree
Will it grow where you live?
Zones 5-9
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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
- Leaves
- Deciduous: drops its leaves in fall and regrows them in spring
- Sunlight
- Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
- Water
- When the top 2" of soil is dry
- Growth & size
- Moderate growth rate; matures to 20–35 feet tall and 15–25 feet wide
- Botanical name
- Acer buergerianum
- Hardiness
- Zones 5-9
- Tolerates
- Heat tolerantHumidity 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 color and growth rate may vary depending on your climate, sunlight exposure, and local soil conditions.
What customers are saying
5.0
out of 5 · 1 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.
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 5-9
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. Gently remove the tree from its container, loosen the roots, and place it in the hole so that the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil, tamping gently to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting, then apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. Stake young trees if needed for support, and monitor moisture during the first year to ensure strong root development.
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.
Trident Maples grow best in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and vibrant fall color.
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.
Trident Maples grow best in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and vibrant fall color.
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 a Trident Maple Tree get?
Trident Maple Trees typically grow 20 to 35 feet tall with a canopy spread of 15 to 25 feet at maturity. They develop a dense, rounded shape, making them a popular choice for shade, street planting, or small landscapes.
How fast does the Trident Maple Tree grow?
Trident Maples are considered moderate growers, adding about 12 to 24 inches of new growth per year under ideal conditions. Regular watering and good soil can help it establish quickly in the first few years.
Where is the best place to plant a Trident Maple Tree?
Plant your Trident Maple in full sun to partial shade for the best leaf color and growth. It thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil and can tolerate urban conditions like compacted soil, heat, and some pollution — making it a great street or driveway tree.
How do I care for a Trident Maple Tree?
Trident Maples are low-maintenance once established. For best results:
• Water deeply during the first couple of years to establish roots.
• Mulch around the base (but not against the trunk) to retain moisture.
• Prune in late winter to shape or remove crossing branches.
• Fertilize in spring if needed to support healthy growth.
It’s drought-tolerant once mature and resists pests and diseases well.
• Water deeply during the first couple of years to establish roots.
• Mulch around the base (but not against the trunk) to retain moisture.
• Prune in late winter to shape or remove crossing branches.
• Fertilize in spring if needed to support healthy growth.
It’s drought-tolerant once mature and resists pests and diseases well.
What are the pods on the Trident Maple Tree?
The “pods” are actually winged samaras — small, two-lobed seeds that resemble helicopters when they fall. These appear in late spring to summer and are a normal part of the tree’s life cycle. They’re not harmful and add visual interest.
When do the leaves change color on the Trident Maple Tree?
Trident Maple leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, or yellow in the fall, typically around October to November, depending on your location. Its fall color display is one of the highlights of the tree.
When is the best time to plant maple trees?
The ideal time to plant a maple tree — including Trident Maples — is in early spring or fall. Cooler temperatures and increased rainfall during these seasons help reduce transplant shock and encourage strong root development before summer heat or winter dormancy.
How do you prune a Trident Maple Tree?
Prune your Trident Maple in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Focus on:
• Removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches
• Encouraging a balanced canopy
• Maintaining airflow and structure
Avoid heavy pruning in summer or fall, which can stress the tree or encourage weak growth before dormancy.
• Removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches
• Encouraging a balanced canopy
• Maintaining airflow and structure
Avoid heavy pruning in summer or fall, which can stress the tree or encourage weak growth before dormancy.
Do I need to winterize my Trident Maple Tree?
Trident Maples are cold-hardy in USDA Zones 5–9 and generally don’t require special winterization. For young or newly planted trees:
• Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base to insulate roots
• Water well before the ground freezes to prevent dehydration
No wrapping or covering is needed unless extreme cold or high winds are expected.
• Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base to insulate roots
• Water well before the ground freezes to prevent dehydration
No wrapping or covering is needed unless extreme cold or high winds are expected.
Should I fertilize my Trident Maple Tree?
Fertilize your Trident Maple in early spring using a balanced, slow-release tree fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing — if your tree is growing well and has healthy leaves, you may not need to feed it every year. Focus on supporting growth during the first 3–5 years after planting.
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