A bit of about of us
“Since 1990, The Maple Society has been increasing the public’s awareness of maples by encouraging discussion, promoting education, and sharing information in a variety of ways. These include an informative quarterly newsletter, expert-led group garden tours, regular online talks by guest speakers, and a triennial symposium that brings together members from all corners of the globe.”
The Maple Society of Europe is open to all, from those with a small courtyard garden growing a few trees in containers, to arboretum owners; from Japanese maple collectors, to bonsai practitioners; from members of the scientific community, to anyone simply looking to learn more about these most remarkable trees.
The most important thing is to admire all things Acer!
Why Maples?
Maples (Acer spp.) are indeed an exceptional genus of trees, offering unparalleled versatility and beauty for gardeners and horticulturists. Their popularity stems from their remarkable daptability and diverse characteristics, making them suitable for a wide range of garden settings and requirements.
Maples come in an astonishing variety of sizes and shapes, from towering shade trees to compact ornamental specimens. This diversity allows gardeners to select the perfect maple for any space:
- Large shade trees reaching over 100 feet tall, like the sugar maple (Acer saccharum)
- Smaller, ornamental varieties like the popular Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), ideal for container planting or small gardens
- Columnar forms for narrow spaces
- Wide-spreading varieties for expansive lawns
The aesthetic value of maples is hard to match:
- Foliage: Maples offer a stunning array of leaf shapes, sizes, and colours, from the delicate, lacy leaves of some Japanese maples to the bold, palmate leaves of larger species
- Autumn Colour: Many maple species are renowned for their brilliant fall displays, ranging from fiery reds to vibrant yellows and oranges
- Bark: Some maples, like the paperbark maple or the snakebarks, feature interesting bark textures, adding winter interest to the garden
Maples are remarkably adaptable to different growing conditions:
- Soil Types: While most prefer well-drained, loamy soils, some species can adapt to clay or sandy soils
- pH Levels: Many maples thrive in slightly acidic soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8, but some can tolerate higher pH levels
- Light Conditions: While most maples prefer full sun, some species, like Japanese and Korean maples, can thrive in partial shade
- Moisture Levels: There are maple species adapted to both wet and dry conditions, though most prefer moderate moisture4
Maples are generally easy to grow and maintain. They are hardy in a wide range of climates, from USDA zones 3 or 4 through 9. Many species are fast-growing, quickly establishing themselves in the landscape. Most maples are relatively low-maintenance, requiring little pruning
The incredible diversity within the Acer genus ensures that there is indeed a «Maple solution» for virtually any garden requirement. Whether you’re looking for a statuesque shade tree, a compact container specimen, or a burst of autumn colour, maples offer an option to suit your needs. This versatility, combined with their beauty and adaptability, makes maples an enduring favourite among gardeners and horticulturists alike.
Benefits
is a not-for-profit organisation