Do I have a special Japanese maple?

sherrik

I was told today that I had the biggest Acer Palmatum that a particular tree groomer had ever seen. I admit I have always love this tree but am curious if it may be special based on its size.

My husband and I estimate this tree is about fifty feet tall with a branch spread of over thirty feet. This brilliant tree is healthy and thriving in my backyard in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.

I will attach pictures if anyone wishes but right now we are having a major thunder storm.

Any comments would interest me.

Thanks
Sherri

treeseer

YEs, please do. This species is not listed in the US Big Tree Registry, but you may want to contact the Ontario Heritage Tree group about a listing there.

dannyboysfc

Thats a pretty big Japanese Maple, don't get too excited though. I have seen a few, very few of comparable size around San Jose, CA while working in the industry.

sherrik

I'm not a wiz with the pics but I hope this gives you a good idea.

Please excuse the yard, we have only lived here a year and have been busy inside. We're just starting to turn our attention outside.





Thanks for the info. I will investigate further.

Sherri

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TreeSpecialist

I think your estimates to the height and spread are a little off - looks more like 20 to 25 feet tall.

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sherrik

Based on that comment I looked at the pics and maybe they don't clearly give an idea of size. The tree is definately over 25 feet tall, I assure you. My husband and I are going to properly measure it tomorrow. He estimates it is probably 45 feet tall.

I will follow up somewhere else I guess.

BTW the tree trunk is down a ravine...so the trunk is a teir below the trampoline

Thanks

TrevMcRev

i agree with the height being a bit off, the bigger tree to the right would be 50' mayyyybee.

All the same it is a beaut specimen with great form, a tree to be proud of having in your yard.

treeseer

Nice picture, beautiful color.

What does your tree groomer do for it? I had to do restoration pruning today on 2 that were topped a while ago; it's nice to see a good-looking tree, thanks.

It may be quite large for your region; they get much bigger down heah.

bstewert

We have one of those also, but ours in Oregon is probably 30-35 ft.

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sherrik

The tree is beautiful especially beside the lake.

To answer treeseer...the tree groomer does not work for us, he only commented on our tree when he saw it.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I think I will just sit back, drink my coffee, enjoy my tree and not concern myself with any signifigance more than that.

We will measure it today for our own info because I really want to know. But I'm gathering that even if it is between 40-50 feet somewhere that it's nothing really unusual.

Thanks again

TreeSpecialist

In checking with the National Big Tree register, I was surprised to see that there is no champion japanese maple (Acer palmatum.)

Check out http://www.americanforests.org/downl...B_Tree_Reg.pdf

You always nominate your own tree.

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treeseer

Pat, as far as I know, the list does not include non-naturalized exotics or cultivars, and anyone can nominate any tree.

sherrik, you may want to connect with your local tree group, Welcome to the Ontario Urban Forest Council

Their meeting in October may be fun to attend, and you may be able to find out more about special trees, including your own!

bstewert

Sherrik, if it helps, we have had a dozen arborists come to look or work on other trees over the years and they have all commented on the size of this one maple. In the spring little babies pop up everywhere around the yard. Bit of a nuisance, but they're expensive at the nursery.




Forgot to add pixs from above looking down. In one, you can see someone saying "Get down from there, right now!"

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