Tree Drawings and Size Ratings Tree shape and growth habit change as a tree grows. Young trees are often upright, while older ones of the same cultivar may become spreading. "Mature" size of a tree varies by climate, landscape site characteristics and how long the tree lives. City trees rarely reach the size and age of their counterparts in native forest stands. In a city situation, few trees live more than 30 years, and those that do generally grow slowly beyond that age. Therefore, the size ratings and growth habits are the best estimates for a healthy 30 year old tree grown under "average" city conditions

Acer saccharinum
Sliver Maple

Zone: 3 Height: 55' Spread: 45' Shape: Oval with strong upright spreading

branches, becoming vase shaped with age
Foliage: Medium green above, silvery beneath
Fall Color: Yellow

This fast growing tree tolerates tough conditions, under which other species might fail. It should be used where there is plenty of space for it to develop.

Acer rubrum 'Franksred'
Red Sunset Maple

Zone: 4 Height: 45' Spread: 35' Shape: Upright branching, oval Foliage: Dark green, glossy

Fall Color: Brilliant orange-red to red

Red Sunset® is the most highly rated and reliable of the Red Maple cultivars. Developed by Frank Schmidt, Jr., this tree has become the standard to which others are compared. It's a vigorous growing tree with a strong and symmetrical branching pattern. The foliage is very lustrous green in the summer, changing to brilliant shades of red and orange-red in the fall.

October Glory® Maple

Zone: 4 Height: 40' Spread: 35' Shape: Broadly oval to round Foliage: Medium green, glossy

Fall Color: Deep red to reddish-purple

October Glory is a round headed selection which is the last cultivar to color in the fall. While it is less cold hardy than most cultivars, it seems to be better adapted to areas with mild winters and hot summer temperatures.

Acer rubrum
Red Maple

Zone: 3 Height: 40' Spread: 40' Shape: Broadly oval to round Folliage: Green

Fall Color: Yellowish orange to bright red

Native to eastern U.S., this tree is well adapted to city conditions and wet soils. This is the parent species of numerous cultivars.

Acer saccharum
Sugar Maple

Zone: 3 Height: 45' Spread: 40' Shape: Broadly oval to rounded

Foliage: Medium green
Fall Color: Orange, red and scarlet

One of the finest trees for fall color. Somewhat slow growing but long lived, it acquires a stateliness all its own.

Acer platanoides 'Crimson King'
Crimson King Maple

Zone: 4 Height: 40' Spread: 35' Shape: Oval when young, becoming rounded

Foliage: Deep purple
Fall Color: Maroon to reddish-bronze

The most commonly used purple-leafed Norway Maple. Its purple foliage holds its color well from spring until fall.