Complete guide to field maple

Field maple could be confused with other acers, including sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides). All three of these acer species are regularly planted in the UK and they also grow in the wild. Sycamore has been naturalised (able to self-seed and grow in the wild) across the UK for centuries and Norway maple since at least 1905.

Field maple leaves are smaller than those of sycamore and Norway maple. They have more rounded lobes and turn a beautiful golden yellow colour in autumn. Field maple seeds are distinctive as the two wings are spread horizontally, whereas sycamore and Norway maple seeds have a more acute angle between the two wings, with sycamore wings hanging down towards the ground. Field maple seeds are dispersed by the wind.

The buds of field maple are small, brown and grow in pairs. Both Norway maple and sycamore buds are larger. Norway maple has dark reddish-brown buds and the buds of sycamore are green. Field maple produces small greenish-yellow flowers in April and May.

How long do field maples live?

Field maple trees have a long lifespan and can live for up to 350 years.

Size, height and spread

Field maple is a medium-sized, fast-growing tree that can reach 15-20m in height, but generally doesn't grow that tall unless it's growing in optimal conditions. It reaches 4-8m in spread.

Value to wildlife

As a British native, field maple is excellent for wildlife. It provides an important habitat for over 50 invertebrates, including moth caterpillars such as the plumed prominent and barred sallow moths, which feed on the young spring leaves. Bees are attracted to the pollen- and nectar-rich flowers. The sap is attractive to aphids and they, in turn, attract predators such as ladybirds and lacewing larvae. Small mammals will feed on the fruits.

Growing field maple trees

Grow field maple in any moist but well-drained soil, in sun or partial shade. When grown as a tree it doesn't need pruning, but if growing as a hedge, prune in early winter to keep it at the desired height.

Where to plant field maple trees

Grow field maple in a medium or large garden, or as part of a hedge. It's suitable for exposed sites and urban environments. Field maple is often grown as a dense hedge, and makes a good windbreak. Expect it to put on around 30-60cm of growth a year. Field maples also make good trees for privacy. Field maples are tolerant of pollution, so make good trees for urban environments.

How to plant field maple trees

To plant a field maple tree:

• Stand the tree in water to ensure its roots are damp
• Dig a square hole that’s slightly wider than the pot your tree is in, but no deeper. Lightly fork the base and sides of the hole to ensure the soil isn’t compacted
• Remove the pot from container-grown trees and any wrapping from bare-root ones. Tease out and unwind any circling roots. Stand the tree in the planting hole, then lay a cane across the hole to check that the top of the rootball is level with the soil surface
• Backfill around the rootball with the excavated soil, shaking the tree a little to help the soil settle around the roots. Use your heel to firm gently all around the rootball and ensure there is good contact between the roots and the soil
• If planting in an exposed site, stake the tree to prevent windrock, which can tear the roots and create a gap around the base of the trunk that can fill with water and encourage rot. The stake should be about a third of the height of the tree, hammered in at a 45° angle. Attach the trunk to the stake using an adjustable tree tie
• Water the tree thoroughly, then keep it watered during dry spells for at least the first year

Read our detailed guide to planting trees.

To plant a field maple hedge:

• This is best done in winter with bare-root plants
• Trim the roots to encourage more healthy growth
• Dig a V-shaped trench, using a line of string to ensure it is straight
• Insert the bare-root plants, around 45cm apart, at the same depth as they were previously (look for the 'tide mark' on the stem)
• Firm in well and water

Read more about planting a bare-root hedge.

How to care for field maple trees

Field maple needs little care once plants are established, provided they have been planted in full sun or partial shade, in moist, well-drained soil.

How to prune field maple trees

Field maple does not need pruning, unless you’re growing it as a hedge or aiming to restrict its height. If you're growing it as a hedge, prune it in early winter (but not in freezing temperatures) to keep plants at the desired height.

Pests and diseases

Aphids and caterpillars can be found on field maple but these are nothing to worry about and will be eaten by predators. You might see tiny round green or red galls on leaves made by gall mites. These are unlikely to cause the tree any harm.

Verticillium wilt can affect field maple. This is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes yellow, wilting leaves, especially in dry weather, and dieback on stems or branches. There's no chemical control. You could try cutting out affected areas and feeding the plant, but as the problem persists in the soil, the only solution may be to dig up and destroy your plant.

Types of field maple to grow

Acer campestre 'Red Shine' – developed in the Netherlands in the 1980s, this compact field maple has an upright, pyramidal habit and lovely red spring foliage that fades to green in summer. Height x Spread: 8-10m x 4-5m depending on conditions (4m x 3m after 10 years)

• Buy Acer campestre ‘Red Shine’ from Majestic Trees

Acer campestre ‘Nanum’ – this slow-growing, compact field maple only reaches around 3m in 10 years, making it perfect for smaller gardens. It’s tolerant of air pollution and drought, and copes well with any soil types. H x S: 3-7m x 3m depending on conditions (3m x 3m in 10 years)

• Buy Acer campestre from Barcham

Acer campestre 'Evenly Red' – another relatively small field maple variety with an upright form and dense foliage, ‘Evenly Red’ has glorious rich red autumn colour. H x S: 10m x 8m (4m x 3m after 10 years)

• Buy Acer campestre ‘Evenly Red’ from Bluebell Nursery

Acer campestre 'Carnival' – this small, variegated field maple has spring leaves with a pink flush that turn green with creamy margins. As it reaches only 3m in height after 10 years, it's suitable for a wide range of gardens. ‘Carnival’ has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit. H x S: 5m x 4m (3m x 3m after 10 years)

• Buy Acer campestre ‘Carnival’ from Bluebell Nursery

Acer campestre ‘William Calderwell’ – an upright variety, ‘William Calderwell’ is named after the Cheshire nursery where it was discovered in 1976. As well as its columnar shape, this variety has striking red autumn colour, especially when planted in full sun. H x S: 15m x 3m (4m x 1m after 10 years)

• Buy Acer campestre ‘William Calderwell’ from Bluebell Nursery

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep a field maple small?

Yes, field maple can be kept to the required height by pruning in the dormant season. Compact varieties such as ‘Nanum’ are particularly suited to smaller gardens. Field maple is also suited to bonsai cultivation. They tolerate root pruning and repotting well. Field maple bonsai trees are hardy and can be left in a sheltered outdoor spot over the winter.

Does field maple make a good hedge?

Field maple makes an ideal hedge for privacy, autumn colour and wildlife. It can be pruned to a height between 1m and 5m, and then kept to this height with annual pruning.