Maple -- Seeds

Heavy maple seed production can cause a silver, red or sugar maple to appear thin and sparse. Seed formation takes precedence over growth and until the seed falls, the amount of leaves on a tree can be small.

When seeds fall, the trees should resume additional growth and eventually fill in by mid-summer.

Fall fertilization of maples can limit the sparseness of leaves. Follow recommendation in Horticulture Fact Sheet NC-9-84.

No chemical control is registered in Illinois for homeowner use to prevent seeds from forming or causing seeds to abort after pollination.

1994-dr