deciduous tree
Bigleaf Maple: pruning, storm risk and removal
Acer macrophyllum. Also called Oregon maple, broadleaf maple.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Bigleaf Maple at a glance
| Height | 50-100 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 40-70 ft |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| USDA zones | 5-9 |
| Lifespan | Typically 100-200 years, some older |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | The Pacific coast from southern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon into California, including the Sierra foothills. |
| Roots | Shallow and wide-spreading, with many roots near the surface. They can lift sidewalks, driveways and lawn edges, and they compete hard with nearby plants. |
| Wood | Moderately hard and fine-grained. It is used for furniture, musical instruments and firewood. Figured grain such as quilted or curly maple is prized by woodworkers. |
| Storm risk | mediumOld trees often have several large trunks that split from one point, which can fail in wind or under heavy wet snow. Large limbs are heavy, and moss-covered limbs hide decay. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a bigleaf maple
Best time to prune
Prune in late summer or in the dormant season. Remove dead wood, crossing limbs and weak forks while branches are still small. Typically keep cuts small and spread over several years.
Avoid pruning
Avoid heavy pruning in early spring when sap runs heavily. Do not top the tree. Avoid big cuts on large limbs, which heal slowly and let decay in.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Plant it far from the house, pavement and septic lines. It gets wide and its roots spread near the surface.
- Moss on the trunk is usually harmless, but it can hide cracks and decay in big limbs. Have a pro look at large, old trees.
- Rake or compost the very large leaves in fall. Thick wet mats can smother lawn.
- Sticky drips on cars in summer are usually honeydew from aphids and are not a health danger to the tree.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on bigleaf maple
- 1Look closely at the unions of multi-stem trees for included bark and hidden decay before climbing.
- 2Limbs are long and heavy. Rig large pieces and set up a clear drop zone.
- 3Leaves are big and wet in fall, so expect a big cleanup and lots of chip volume.
- 4Thick moss can make limbs slippery. Plan your tie-in points and footing.
Removal notes
This is a very large tree with a wide crown and heavy limbs, so removal is usually a rigging job over targets. Multi-stem trees can hold hidden decay at the union. The heavy leaves make cleanup big. Large trunk sections are heavy, so plan for the wood and a chipper load. Get a written quote.
Wood
Moderately hard and fine-grained. It is used for furniture, musical instruments and firewood. Figured grain such as quilted or curly maple is prized by woodworkers.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for bigleaf maple
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where bigleaf maple grows
Native range: The Pacific coast from southern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon into California, including the Sierra foothills.
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Bigleaf Maple: common questions
How big do bigleaf maple leaves get?
They are the largest of any maple. A leaf is typically 6-12 inches across, and some are bigger. That is where the name comes from.
Are bigleaf maple roots a problem for sidewalks?
They can be. The roots are shallow and wide, and they can lift paving and curbs. Cutting big roots can hurt or destabilize the tree, so ask an arborist before you dig.
Is moss on a bigleaf maple bad for the tree?
Usually no. Moss only grows on the bark. It is common in damp areas of the Pacific Northwest. It can hide cracks and decay, so look at the limbs under it with a pro.
When is the best time to prune bigleaf maple?
Late summer or the dormant season is typically best. Heavy sap flows in spring, which is mostly a mess and not a big danger to the tree, but late pruning is easier on it.
What does a bigleaf maple look like in fall?
The leaves turn yellow to orange and sometimes brown. In the Pacific Northwest the color is often bright gold.
When should a bigleaf maple be removed?
Think about removal if the tree has a split trunk, hollow or soft wood, large dead limbs, or a lean toward a house. A certified arborist can inspect it and give a written report.
More trees in the same regions
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