Field Maple Hedge Plants (Acer campestre)

Field Maple Hedge Plants Descrition

Field Maple (Acer campestre) is one of the UK's native maple species and a popular choice for traditional hedgerows, wildlife gardens and natural boundary planting. Its adaptability and attractive seasonal colour make it particularly useful where you want a hardy hedge that changes character throughout the year.

Field Maple typically grows around 30–60cm per year, allowing it to establish into an effective hedge relatively quickly. While the species can grow considerably taller when left unrestricted, regular trimming allows it to be maintained at a practical height for gardens and boundaries.

The lobed green leaves provide a fresh appearance through spring and summer before turning golden yellow in autumn, giving the hedge additional seasonal interest. Small yellow-green flowers appear in spring and provide a source of nectar for pollinating insects. Later in the year, the plant develops its characteristic winged seeds, known as samaras.

Why Choose Field Maple for Hedging?

• Native UK hedging: A traditional choice for British hedgerows and countryside planting.
• Wildlife-friendly: Flowers support pollinating insects, while dense growth provides shelter and nesting opportunities for garden wildlife.
• Attractive autumn colour: Green summer foliage changes to shades of yellow in autumn.
• Fast establishment: Typically grows around 30–60cm per year under suitable conditions.
• Highly adaptable: Suitable for normal, clay and chalk soils and can tolerate full sun or partial shade.
• Easy to maintain: Responds well to regular trimming and can be used for both informal and more structured hedges.

Field Maple is particularly well suited to customers looking for a native, wildlife-friendly hedge with seasonal interest rather than an evergreen screen.

Pruning Advice

Field Maple responds well to regular pruning and can be maintained as either a formal hedge or a more natural boundary. For established hedges, prune during the dormant season, generally from late autumn through winter, while avoiding periods of severe frost.

For a denser hedge, light trimming can help encourage branching and maintain an even shape. Avoid cutting excessively into old wood and use clean, sharp tools to produce neat cuts.

Young Field Maple plants benefit from formative pruning as they establish, helping encourage a bushier structure from the base.

If you are managing a wildlife-friendly hedge, consider avoiding heavy pruning during the main bird nesting season and check for active nests before cutting.

Further Information

Planting distance depends on the size of the Field Maple plants supplied and the density you want to achieve. Smaller bare root plants can generally be planted more closely to create a dense hedge, while larger plants require more space to establish properly.

For the recommended spacing for the specific size and root type you are purchasing, follow the planting guidance provided with your order.

This is safer than making one generic spacing recommendation cover every product size.

If Everything Plants has a standard planting-distance recommendation specifically for Field Maple, then we can put the exact figures here. I wouldn't invent species-specific spacing figures without confirming the nursery's recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Field Maple native to the UK?

Yes. Field Maple (Acer campestre) is a native UK tree and is traditionally found in hedgerows, woodland edges and countryside landscapes.

How fast does Field Maple grow?

Field Maple typically grows around 30–60cm per year under suitable growing conditions, although actual growth depends on soil, moisture, light and establishment.

How tall does Field Maple grow?

If left unrestricted, Field Maple can become a sizeable tree. When grown as a hedge, regular pruning allows it to be maintained at a more practical height, such as 1–5m.

Is Field Maple evergreen?

No. Field Maple is deciduous, so it loses its leaves during autumn and winter. Its foliage turns attractive shades of yellow before falling.

What colour does Field Maple turn in autumn?

The green leaves typically develop golden-yellow autumn colour, making Field Maple particularly attractive in mixed or natural hedging schemes.

Is Field Maple good for wildlife?

Yes. Its flowers can provide resources for pollinating insects, while the dense branches provide shelter and nesting opportunities for birds and other wildlife.

Can Field Maple grow in clay soil?

Yes. Field Maple is adaptable and can grow in normal, clay and chalk soils, provided the planting conditions are suitable.

Can Field Maple be used as a hedge?

Yes. Field Maple is a popular native hedging plant and responds well to pruning, making it suitable for both informal countryside-style boundaries and more structured garden hedges.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.