Field maple (Acer campestre)

Field Maple, scientifically known as Acer campestre, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree, native to the UK and much of Europe. Renowned for its compact size, dense foliage, and golden autumn colour, the Field Maple is a versatile tree that fits well in a variety of landscapes. Its attractive, lobed leaves and winged seeds, coupled with its tolerance for pruning, make it a popular choice for hedgerows, woodland edges, and urban settings.

Field Maple is a hardy and low-maintenance tree, well-suited to a variety of soil types and environmental conditions. It is particularly tolerant of pruning, making it ideal for shaping as a hedge or maintaining a smaller size. To promote healthy growth, water young trees during dry periods and apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Field Maple is also resistant to pollution, making it a good choice for urban and roadside planting.

Field Maple is ideal for a wide range of applications, from traditional hedging and boundary planting to ornamental use in gardens and parks. Its dense foliage provides excellent cover and shelter for wildlife, while its small size makes it suitable for smaller gardens and urban environments. The tree is often used in mixed native hedges, where it adds seasonal interest and biodiversity. Additionally, Field Maple is a good choice for pollarded or coppiced woodlands, offering a sustainable source of timber for woodworking.

Characteristics:

Height: 8m – 15m
Spread: 7m – 12m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including chalky and clay soils
Leaves: Small, lobed leaves that are bright green in spring and summer, turning vibrant yellow in autumn
Flowers: Small, greenish-yellow flowers in spring, which are followed by characteristic winged seeds ("keys") in autumn
Bark: Smooth, pale grey-brown bark when young, becoming more textured and ridged with age