Paperbark Maple

Hi Members I'm new to the site and would like advice on a Paperbark Maple. Concern is the tree will grow to big below and above the ground. They are slow growing but I don't want to have to hack down a good tree in twenty years or so. The tree would be planted 20ft from my house. I've an idea to plant in a air prune container for a few years. The Tree is an online purchase and too late to cancel the order and I'm not keen to return the tree, so I'm going to have to do something with it.

Look forward to your advice . Thanks Martin

 

Hi welcome hpfound this maybe this mighr help
How to Grow & Care for a Paperbark Maple Tree
https://www.thespruce.com/growing-the-paperbark-maple-ace…

• Paperbark maple (sometimes spelled paper bark) is a member of the Sapindaceae family of plants, with a species classification of Acer griseum. It originally comes from central China and was brought to England by E. H. Wilson in 1899. It was soon brought to the U.S. by

 

@MartinBurt Have a look here Acer griseum | paperbark maple Trees/RHS Gardening
Personally I wouldn't want a tree growing to 10 m or so that close to my house. Underground its roots will reach at least the area covered above ground. Check the area for drainage pipes etc.
Also maples can be a magnet for aphids meaning that there will be a gentle rain of honeydew onto the area below.
However it is fairly slow growing so enjoying it for 10 to 20 years before removing it is a possible solution, or perhaps look to prune it regularly to keep it relatively small.

 

• Hi Thanks for the info yep I've looked over the articles online think I'm going plant it in a 20litre air pruning pot and try to keep it alive for a few years. I've read articles on them surviving for at least 6 years and hopefully will donate to a local park.

One question If the tree is kept small will the roots continue to grow beyond the tree size. In Northern England I've read its unlikely to reach its full height. I'm 1/4 mile from the beach. Regards

 

In my last garden I had an acer griseum that only grew to about 10 feet tall in 20 years. It was a great tree, but just very slow. Maybe I was lucky in getting a slow clone.

 

Hi Thanks that would be ideal height maybe worth a chance. I'm thinking being so close to the beach, might not produce the finest specimen.

 

If you get salt laden winds, they can damage tender young leaves. But griseum leaves are not as pretty as things like acer palmatum, so it's slightly less of a problem. Also if your soil is sandy and low nutrient, that might help curtail it. Mine was clayish but fertile, yet it still was slow. Try contacting a specialist nursery like Bluebell Nursery in Ashby de la Zouch - they might have something.

 

Hi Thanks for your advice, I've ordered the tree already so will have to find a home for it. I've been looking at the subject of Pollarding to keep the trees growth under control. Thinking ahead of course have to establish if the tree is suitable to this method of pruning.

 

Hmm IMHO pollarding tends to uglify a tree's structure. A. griseum has quite a nice branching shape. I'd go with @NigelJ 's advice - enjoy it while you have it, maybe some careful pruning to keep in check, then whip it out if it gets too much!

 

Hi Thankyou, I think yes just enjoy the tree keep it in check with a light pruning the roots are fairly modest and not invasive so I'm confident it won't be damaging the house or drains being 20ft away, for a good few years at least!

 

Planted the Acer at the bottom of my S.F. Garden just hope the northerly winds won't ruin it. I think it's a cloned variety growing to a maximum of 4metres. Used Ericaceous Compost. Fingers Crossed!