Field Maple Ornamental Tree (Acer Campestre 'Field Maple')

Field Maple Ornamental Tree Description

The Field Maple is a versatile, hardy, and compact deciduous tree, native to the UK and cherished for its vibrant seasonal colour and wildlife-friendly qualities. Growing to a modest height of around 10–15 metres (33–50 feet) with a rounded, bushy form, it is ideal for smaller gardens, hedgerows, and parks. Its dense canopy and manageable size make it a popular choice for ornamental planting, as well as for creating natural borders and privacy screens.

In spring, the Field Maple’s fresh green, lobed leaves emerge, creating a lush, soft canopy that provides dappled shade. As autumn approaches, the foliage transforms into stunning shades of rich yellow and gold, adding a warm glow to the landscape. In spring, small clusters of yellow-green flowers appear, attracting pollinators. These flowers give way to distinctive winged seeds, or “samaras,” often referred to as helicopter seeds, which ripen and fall in autumn.

Pruning Advice

While the Field Maple is naturally well-shaped and does not require heavy pruning, occasional trimming helps maintain its form and encourages dense growth. For a bushier, hedge-like form, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. This timing allows the tree to recover before its active growing season. Light pruning can also be done in late summer to remove any crossing or damaged branches and to improve air circulation.

Avoid excessive pruning, as it can interfere with the tree’s natural structure and reduce flowering and seed production. In hedge settings, annual pruning will help the tree maintain a dense and compact form, supporting its role as a privacy screen or windbreak.

Overall, the Field Maple is a charming, versatile choice for gardeners seeking a native UK tree that provides both beauty and ecological benefits. Its adaptability, seasonal interest, and value to wildlife make it an excellent addition to a variety of garden and landscape designs.

Further Information

Wildlife Support: The Field Maple is a valuable addition to any wildlife-friendly garden. Its flowers attract bees and other pollinators in spring, while the seeds provide food for birds and small mammals. The dense foliage also offers shelter for various insects and nesting sites for birds.

Seasonal Colour: With its stunning autumn foliage, the Field Maple brings vibrant colour to gardens and landscapes, creating a warm and inviting seasonal display.

Hedge and Shelterbelt Potential: Often used in mixed native hedgerows, the Field Maple’s dense growth habit and tolerance to pruning make it ideal for hedging or shelterbelts, where it helps create windbreaks and privacy.

Low Maintenance and Versatile: This hardy tree is relatively easy to care for, highly adaptable to different soil types, and tolerant of urban pollution, making it suitable for both rural and urban settings.

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.