Pacific Sunset Maple tree Pros & Cons, Size, Growth rate, Problems, Roots

Pacific Sunset® Maple is a unique and intriguing hybrid Maple variety introduced by J. Frank Schmidt Nursery. This hybrid maple combines the desirable characteristics of two different types of maple trees, the Shantung Maple and the Norway Maple. When fall approaches, the remarkable, glossy green foliage transforms into stunning colors of gold, orange, and red.

It is a wonderful tree that may grow up to a medium size and is particularly adaptable to urban environments. This maple can grow in a variety of soil types and would be an excellent street tree. It also has a low risk of pest infestation.

Pros

This maple is tolerant of a variety of soil types and does best in full sun. It grows well in cities and would be a good street tree. The fall season brings out vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow from this tree.

This is a healthy, tiny maple tree that may grow in a short space. It will eventually develop into a spreading tree that has lovely, dark green leaves that change color from yellow to crimson in the fall. It is more resilient than the majority of maples and is resistant to both pests and diseases. It enjoys moderately watered lawns and gardens.

Cons

Cottony maple scale is the most commonly encountered type of scale infestation on sunset maples. Scale insects are harmful to maple trees because of the severe infestations they cause on the tree's leaves and twigs. Scales are "sucking bugs" that drain sap from plant components, which can lead to branch dieback, reduced health, and even death in severe situations. According to research conducted by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, the bodies of these minuscule, ovate bugs are a bright green color while they are immature but turn brown as they mature and develop a fluffy, white mass of eggs. Dormant oil should be applied near the end of spring to avoid this issue occurring again in the summer.

Growth Rate

Sunset maples have the potential to gain up to 24 inches in height every calendar year when given ideal growing circumstances. A seedling may begin small, but it quickly grows in both height and spread, giving your yard a refreshing shade and vibrant color.

The Pacific Sunset Maple will do quite well on the parkway as long as it is spaced about 9 feet away from another tree. At its full maturity, it will have a width of approximately 25 feet, providing you with approximately 12.5 feet of space on either side of the trunk. 

Roots

The majority of maple trees have roots that extend up to 25 feet from the soil's surface and are 12 to 18 inches deep. As the tree becomes larger, these roots occasionally break the surface. The roots that are close to the ground can potentially cause structural damage to the concrete sidewalks, porches, and neighboring buildings if they are allowed to grow too deeply.

Problems

Note that if watering is not adequately controlled, any tree grown in grass may produce surface roots. In the root zone, tree roots require both water and air. Overwatering of lawns frequently leaves the soil in the root zone saturated and devoid of air. Check the root zone of your tree to see if it is too wet or dry. 

The ideal approach is to dig a small hole that is approximately 12 inches deep and examine the soil in it. If the earth is bone dry, there is not sufficient water; if the dirt is muddy, it contains too much water; and if the soil is moist like a cake, there is just the correct amount of water. An affordable moisture meter from a hardware or nursery store can also be used in place of the above method.