Big Leaf Maple
Acer macrophyllum
Common throughout the Tri-Cities in natural areas, parks, and older neighbourhoods. Often the first tree to colonize disturbed sites.
FormbarkneedlesHow to recognise it
Height
25-35m (80-115ft)
Trunk
Up to 1.5m diameter with grey-brown bark that develops ridges and furrows with age
Needles
Largest maple leaves in North America, 20-35cm across with 5 deep lobes
Cones
Produces paired winged seeds (samaras) in late summer, hanging in clusters
Quick check
- Enormous five-lobed leaves (largest of any maple)
- Often covered in moss and ferns on trunk and branches
- Yellowish spring flowers hanging in clusters
- Paired helicopter seeds
- Bark often supports entire ecosystems of mosses and lichens
Photo guide
6 things to look for: photographs coming
Care
Watering. Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates dry summers but may drop leaves early under stress.
Pruning. Prune to maintain structure and remove deadwood. Can handle significant pruning if needed. Remove water sprouts regularly. Best time: Late fall to early winter when dormant (to minimize sap bleeding)
Maintenance. Moderate maintenance due to prolific seed production and leaf drop. Regular deadwood removal recommended.
Common issues
- Aphids causing honeydew and sooty mold
- Verticillium wilt (fungal disease)
- Tar spot (cosmetic leaf disease)
- Heavy moss growth adding weight to branches
Roots
Aggressive, spreading root system Roots commonly extend 2-3x the canopy width
Hazards
Windfall risk
Medium
Branch drop risk
High
Warning signs to watch for
- Dead branches in crown
- Cracks at branch unions
- Fungal conks on trunk or branches
- Excessive lean developing
- Wilting or browning leaves in part of the crown (may indicate Verticillium)
Removal considerations
Difficulty: HighTypical cost: $$$- Heavy, dense hardwood requires powerful equipment
- Often develops multiple leaders requiring careful rigging
- Extensive root system can damage underground infrastructure
- May have significant wildlife habitat value
- Wood is valuable for woodworking
Permits
Permit thresholds vary across the region: 15cm or 5m tall in Port Coquitlam, 20cm in Anmore, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, New Westminster and Delta, 30cm in Port Moody and Surrey, and 30.5cm for conifers in Burnaby (Belcarra regulates only trees 5m+ in its mapped permit areas). Big Leaf Maples often grow along creeks and ditches, which matters more than the size threshold: a riparian or streamside setback removes the usual allowances everywhere, including Coquitlam's two-a-year, and can require approval whatever the trunk measures.
Tree bylaws by city