Species specifics: Maple trees

Fast facts about maple trees

Volunteer maples in pastures, fence lines, riparian areas and unmanaged grasslands often establish quickly from windblown seed, animal movement or nearby mature trees, and can turn into invasive populations if not managed properly.
Notable characteristics of maple saplings include the classic “maple leaf” structure of leaves and winged seeds that are sometimes referred to as “whirlybirds”.
Cattle producers commonly fight 8 to 9 volunteer maple tree species of the Acer family including native species such as red maple, silver maple and boxelder, and non-native species like Norway maples.

What to look for

While there are dozens of maples that readily grow in the United States, there are roughly 8 to 9 native and non-native tree species of the Acer family that commonly volunteer in grazing pastures and grasslands that cattle producers should keep on top of before they become invasive, some of which are toxic to cattle such as non-native Norway maple.

While individual species vary, young maple trees in the Acer family tend to share several recognizable characteristics. One of the easiest ways to identify young maple saplings is their opposite branching arrangement. Leaves and buds that grow directly across from one another on the stem rather than alternating up the branch is a distinguishing characteristic of maples from many other woody invasive species commonly found in grazing areas.

Most maple species produce simple leaves with 3 to 5 lobes and noticeable veining radiating outward from the leaf stem. Leaf size, depth of lobes and edge serration vary widely by species, but many volunteer maples have the classic broad, palmate “maple leaf” appearance that recognizable even at a young age. Some species such as boxelder may have compound leaves, while others like Norway or sugar maple have broader, fuller lobes.

Young maple saplings generally have smooth bark that may appear greenish, reddish, gray or light brown depending on species and age. As trees mature, bark typically becomes darker and more furrowed.

Most maples are prolific seeders. Another notable characteristic of maples are their paired winged seeds called samaras that bear semblance to toy helicopters and are commonly referred to as “helicopters” or “whirlybirds”. Saplings primarily establish from seeds spread by wind, water or animals that drop in high numbers from parent plants in spring, summer or fall depending on the species. Even when maples are small, it’s common to see heavy spring or fall seed drops.

Maple saplings most often emerge along fencelines, forest edges, or in moist, low-lying or riparian areas such as floodplains and seasonal creeks. However, some species – especially non-native species – have adapted to become less discretionary and will readily sprout in open, sunny, recently disturbed fields or areas with low favorable forage and grass competition. Depending on the species, young saplings may develop as either a single upright stem or as a multi-stem thicket. Regardless of where they sprout, many volunteer maples establish quickly and grow quite aggressively.

Where it is found

Volunteer maple populations are most commonly found in the Midwest, Northeast, Great Lakes, Appalachian and eastern United States, though certain species also occur across the Plains and Pacific Northwest. Seedlings frequently establish along wooded pasture edges, riparian areas, fence lines, shelterbelts and unmanaged grazing ground where moisture and reduced forage competition allow young trees to gain a foothold.

How to treat it

Not only do maple saplings emerge from seeds, but many maple species also readily resprout after mechanical control efforts including mowing, cutting or burning, and will even bounce back after grazing damage. As such, control measures that incorporate targeted herbicide applications of young maple saplings are critical to managing volunteer maple trees in pastures and grasslands.

Control maple saplings with foliar individual plant treatments (IPT) after full leaf-out such as in mid-summer or into the early fall using DuraCor® herbicide at 1% volume/volume with Remedy® herbicide at 2% volume/volume.

Under normal field conditions DuraCor® is non-volatile. DuraCor has no grazing or haying restrictions for any class of livestock, including lactating dairy cows, horses (including lactating mares) and meat animals prior to slaughter. Label precautions apply to forage treated with DuraCor to manure and urine from animals that have consumed treated forage. DuraCor is not registered for sale or use in all states. State restrictions on the sale and use of Remedy® apply. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions.