deciduous tree
Norway Maple: pruning, storm risk and removal
Acer platanoides. Also called Crimson King maple (purple variety), Schwedler maple (purple-leaf variety).
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.
Norway Maple at a glance
| Height | 40-60 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 30-50 ft |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| USDA zones | 3-7 |
| Lifespan | Typically 60-100 years |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | Europe and western Asia. It was brought to the United States as a street and yard tree and has spread into woods in many places. |
| Roots | Dense, shallow and fibrous. The thick canopy and surface roots make it hard to grow grass or plants underneath. |
| Wood | Fairly hard and dense, but not as strong as sugar maple. It burns well as firewood once dried. |
| Storm risk | mediumThe wood is moderately strong, but old street trees often have girdling roots, trunk cankers or poor branch unions that lead to failure in storms. |
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 norway maple
Best time to prune
Late fall to winter, or in summer. Remove dead wood and crossing branches. Train young trees to a strong central leader.
Avoid pruning
Avoid heavy pruning in spring sap flow. Do not top the tree. Avoid large cuts that leave big wounds.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Check your state or city before planting. Norway maple is listed as invasive or restricted in a number of places.
- Expect little grass under it. Mulch or shade-loving ground cover works better than turf.
- Look for roots that circle the trunk base. They are a common cause of slow decline.
- If you need to replace it, a native maple or other tree suited to your area is usually a better choice.
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 norway maple
- 1Break a leaf stem to confirm species. Milky sap points to Norway maple, clear sap to sugar maple.
- 2Check the trunk base for girdling roots and cankers before making a call on stability.
- 3Seedlings and small saplings may be present in large numbers. Mention cleanup scope in the quote.
- 4Ask local authorities if invasive tree rules apply to disposal or replanting.
Removal notes
Norway maple is considered invasive in a number of states and some places may restrict planting or sale. Seedlings can sprout in large numbers after a removal, so ask about replanting with a better-suited tree. Large specimens often have girdled trunk bases and surface roots that affect stump grinding.
Wood
Fairly hard and dense, but not as strong as sugar maple. It burns well as firewood once dried.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for norway 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 norway maple grows
Native range: Europe and western Asia. It was brought to the United States as a street and yard tree and has spread into woods in many places.
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.
Norway Maple: common questions
Is a Norway maple an invasive tree?
In many northeastern and midwestern states, yes. It spreads from seed into woods and crowds out native trees. Rules differ by state, so check with your local extension office or state agriculture department.
How do I tell a Norway maple from a sugar maple?
Break off a leaf and look at the stem. Norway maple usually leaks milky white sap. Sugar maple leaf stems leak clear sap. Norway maple seeds also fly in wide, flat wings.
Why is nothing growing under my Norway maple?
The tree casts dense shade and has many shallow roots. These compete with grass and plants for water and light.
Why does my Norway maple have yellow spots on the leaves?
Tar spot is a common cause. It shows up as black blotches with a yellow edge in late summer. It is mostly a cosmetic issue and rarely kills the tree.
Can Norway maple roots damage my home?
Roots are shallow and can lift paving. They rarely damage solid foundations, but may clog old pipes. Plant at a safe distance.
Should I remove my Norway maple?
It may be a good idea if the tree is declining, hazardous or you prefer a native tree. A certified arborist can inspect it. Get two or three written quotes.
More trees in the same regions
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