Acer campestre – The Versatile Field Maple for Year-Round Appeal
Acer campestre, commonly known as the Field Maple, is a hardy, deciduous tree that offers both beauty and practicality for a wide range of landscapes. With its elegant, rounded crown and vibrant seasonal changes, this tree provides year-round interest. Its small size and adaptability make it perfect for urban gardens, hedges, and smaller spaces. The Field Maple is known for its attractive green leaves that turn golden-yellow in the fall, as well as its dense, compact growth habit.
Why Grow Acer campestre?
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Rounded Shape – A gracefully rounded crown that adds soft structure to any garden.
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Stunning Seasonal Colour – Bright green foliage in spring and summer, followed by stunning yellow hues in autumn.
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Hardy & Resilient – Tolerates a range of soil conditions, pollution, and urban environments.
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Low Maintenance – Requires little care once established, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscaping.
Height of Plant
Acer campestre grows to approximately 8 meters in height and 6 meters in width at maturity, making it a great choice for urban gardens, hedges, and smaller spaces where a larger tree might be impractical.
Where to Site Your Acer campestre
This adaptable tree thrives in a variety of locations, including:
- Small gardens or courtyards
- Urban environments and streetscapes
- Hedging and screening for privacy or windbreaks
- Coastal areas due to its tolerance of salty air
How to Grow and Care for Your Acer campestre
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Soil – Prefers well-drained, loamy soil but is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including chalky and clay soils.
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Light – Thrives in full sun to partial shade, with the best foliage colour in full sun.
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Watering – Keep soil moist during dry periods, but once established, the tree is drought-tolerant.
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Maintenance:
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Pruning – Minimal pruning is needed, but light trimming to maintain shape can be done in late winter or early spring.
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Mulching – Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Pest & Disease Resistance – Acer campestre is generally pest-resistant, though occasional attention may be needed for aphids or fungal issues.
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Cold Hardy – Well-suited to colder climates, it’s hardy down to -20°C (-4°F).
Perfect Plant Combinations
Acer campestre pairs beautifully with other deciduous trees, shrubs, and perennials. Its fall colour is especially striking against darker foliage, ornamental grasses, or evergreens.
With its versatile size, attractive seasonal changes, and minimal care requirements, Acer campestre is an excellent choice for a range of landscapes, from urban gardens to rural hedges, offering year-round interest and adding charm to any outdoor space.
Guide to Planting Field-Grown Root Balled Plants
Pros:
- Established Roots: Typically stronger, established roots ensure better initial growth.
- Immediate Impact: Larger plants provide instant structure and aesthetics.
Cons:
- Heavy and Bulky: Can be difficult to transport and plant due to size and weight.
- Seasonal Availability: Generally available only in the dormant season (autumn to early spring).
Preparation for Planting:
- Unwrap Carefully: Remove any packaging material, but leave the burlap or wire basket on.
- Keep plants moist: Plants should be kept moist until the time of planting.
Planting Process:
- Dig a Hole: Make a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
- Position Plant: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the top is level with the ground surface.
- Do Not Remove Root Sack: Leave the burlap or wire basket around the root ball. It is bio degradable and will rot away naturally.
- Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, firming gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
- Water: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil and avoid wilting.
Possibility of Losses:
- Initial Shock: Some plants may suffer transplant shock, leading to potential losses.
- Mitigation: Proper care and consistent watering during the establishment phase can minimise this risk.
Main Causes of Failure:
- Improper Planting Depth: Planting too deep or too shallow can stress the roots.
- Poor Soil Conditions: Compacted or poorly drained soil can hinder root growth.
- Insufficient Watering: Both under-watering and over-watering can lead to plant stress and failure. Strong wind can dry leafy pants.
- Pest and Disease: Lack of protection and monitoring can result in damage from pests and diseases.
Tips for Success:
- Stake Larger Plants: Support with stakes to prevent wind damage.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
- Regular Monitoring: Check for signs of stress, pests, and disease, and address them promptly.
By following these guidelines and providing consistent aftercare, you can successfully plant and establish field-grown root balled plants in your garden.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
