Trident Maple Tree

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.