Tips on Growing Maple Trees in Texas

Maple trees can live in Texas with appropriate care.

Maple trees are not limited to the Sugar Maple growing zone of the northeastern United States and upper Midwest. Texas has its share of maple trees, including the native Bigtooth Maple. Other species of maple survive with appropriate care in Texas.

Imports

You can grow imported Japanese maples in Texas, but you must provide adequate water if you want the full fall colors these trees can provide. Some of these, such as the Red Dragon cultivar, are sensitive to Texas' wilting summer heat. Evaluate your yard for microclimates that may shade the tree during the hottest part of the day.

Insects

Maples are subject to damage from the red oak borer and two species of pruners, bugs that encircle branches with larvae, eventually cutting off the branch. Texas A&M says soft maple woods are more susceptible, so plant hard maples like the Bigtooth Maple.

Considerations

Starving deer seeking food sources can damage trees by stripping leaves and damaging branches. Urban and suburban development in Texas has reduced available foraging land, leading deer to eat what they can find even in residential yards. Fence off your trees and apply repellent chemicals, either to the trees or to rags hanging from the trees.

References

• Shodor.org: Table of Hard and Soft Hardwood Trees
• City of Austin: Threats: White-Tailed Deer
• Texas A&M: Wood-Boring Insects of Trees and Shrubs
• Texas Parks and Wildlife: Lost Maples State Natural Area
• Metro Maples: Maples for Texas
• Texas A&M: Bigtooth Maple

Resources

• University of Minnesota Extension: Protecting Trees and Shrubs Against Winter Damage