Norway Maple Acer platanoides 'Columnare'

Water

The 'Columnar Norway Maple' should be watered deeply and thoroughly, allowing the water to penetrate the soil to the depth of the root system, which encourages deep root growth. During the growing season, water the tree every week with 1.5 to 2 gallons per inch of trunk diameter at chest height, especially if there is no significant rainfall. In periods of drought or extreme heat, it is important to water more frequently, potentially twice a week. During fall and leading into winter, reduce watering to help the tree acclimate to colder conditions. Newly planted trees require more consistent watering, every few days for the first several weeks, then gradually reduce frequency as the tree becomes established.

Light

The 'Columnar Norway Maple' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot for planting this maple is in a location where it is exposed to morning sunlight and protected from the harsh heat of the late afternoon sun. However, it is versatile and can tolerate a range of light conditions, making it suitable for many landscapes.

Temperature

The 'Columnar Norway Maple' is hardy and can withstand a broad range of temperatures. It is adaptable to cold, with an ability to survive winter temperatures down to -30°F, while also tolerating summer temperatures up to around 90°F. The ideal temperature range for optimum growth is between 60°F and 75°F. It is important to protect young trees from extreme temperatures by providing appropriate mulch or tree guards.

Pruning

Pruning the 'Columnar Norway Maple' is primarily completed to remove dead or damaged branches, to shape the tree during its formative years, and to maintain its health. The best time for pruning is during the late winter to early spring when the tree is still dormant and before new growth starts. Prune annually to shape the young tree, but once mature, prune it every 2 to 3 years or as required to remove any problematic branches.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Norway Maple 'Columnare' prefers a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. A combination of loamy soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite will ensure sufficient drainage and nutrient retention. Regularly check soil pH to maintain the ideal conditions for this tree.

Repotting

Norway Maples do not typically require frequent repotting as they are normally planted outdoors. However, if grown in a container, they should be repotted every 3 to 5 years to prevent root binding and replenish nutrients in the soil.

Humidity & Misting

The Norway Maple 'Columnare' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions to thrive. It performs well in the natural outdoor humidity found in its hardiness zones.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Not suitable for indoor growth; needs outdoor space.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  4-7 USDA

Life cycle

The Norway Maple 'Columnare' begins its life as a seed, which, after a period of dormancy, germinates in the spring when soil temperatures warm up. It then grows into a seedling, developing its first leaves and a root system to absorb water and nutrients. As a sapling, the tree grows rapidly, establishing a strong trunk and branches to support the foliage. Over several years, the Norway Maple 'Columnare' matures into an adult tree, capable of producing flowers that are wind-pollinated, leading to the development of samaras, or winged seeds. These seeds disperse in the vicinity of the parent tree, continuing the cycle when they germinate. Throughout its life, which can span several decades, the tree experiences annual cycles of growth in the spring and summer, followed by a dormant period in the fall and winter when leaves turn vibrant colors before being shed.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter-early spring

• The most popular method of propagating the Norway Maple 'Columnare' is by seed. The best time to collect seeds is when they mature in fall, typically in the time frame of September to October. Once collected, the seeds can be sown immediately in prepared beds outdoors or stratified for spring planting. Stratification involves mixing the seeds with moist sand and storing them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 90-120 days, which mimics winter conditions and helps to break seed dormancy. After stratification, seeds can be sown in pots or directly in the ground during spring. When sowing, cover the seeds with soil to a depth of approximately a quarter of an inch (6.35 millimeters) and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until germination, which generally occurs in 1-2 weeks if temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). Seedlings should be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before planting in their permanent location.