Hedge Maple (Acer campestre)
The Hedge Maple gets its name because in Europe it is used as often for building a hedge than it is used as a shade tree. Some hedges made of Hedge Maple have been maintained for more than 100 years. The Hedge Maple tolerates severe pruning, but at the same time it makes a dense, tall screen, whether pruned or not. It has a very low-branched rounded form, but there is considerable variability from one tree to the next. If you grow it as a tree the lower branches can be removed to create clearance beneath the crown.
This interesting tree excels in its ability to tolerate dry, alkaline soil, but it not happy in highly compacted soil. The Hedge Maple grows slowly, averaging about 2 feet per year when young. Suitable as a patio or yard shade tree because it stays small and creates dense shade. The leaf of the Hedge Maple is a simple leaf, oppositely borne, with three to five lobes and are 2 to 4 inches long and wide. It displays a bright yellow fall color. This is a very desirable option for the small yard and on top of that, it is relatively insect and disease free
Hedge Maple Choices
Evelyn may be more vigorous than the species and has an upright branching habit but hardy only up to zone 6. Compactum is a dwarf shrub, and matures at 3 to 4 feet. It lends itself well to use as a hedge plant, which requires no pruning, or it can be used as a unique specimen plant in the landscape. Postelense has golden leaves. Queen Elizabeth is more upright than the species and makes a very good street tree. Grows to slightly larger than the species at 30 to 40 feet.
