Bigtooth Maple Tree (Acer Grandidentatum) Plant Information

Bigtooth Maple Tree (Acer Grandidentatum)

Native Land: Hill Country Texas 

Sun/Shade: Full Sun or part-shade 

General Information: Outstanding shade tree. This is the famous Maple tree of Lost Maples State Park and grows in other isolated areas of the Hill Country on the lower slopes of deep rocky canyons. It is also found in the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas and in the mountainous western United States. It is a close cousin to the beautiful Sugar Maple of the Northeast yet certainly grows well here.  When weather conditions are favorable, the Big-tooth Maple equals its Northeastern cousin in fall beauty.  Weather condtions in the Hill Country northwest of  San Antonio are more favorable for fall display, but this tree is definetely worth planting in San Antonio for its green foliage value alone. The Bigtooth Maple is difficult to propagate and therefore hard to find and more expensive, perhaps twice the price of the more commonly available native trees such as the Red or Monterrey Oak. When these trees become mass produced, they could usurp all other native trees in popularity for the San Antonio area.   This is the best Maple tree, or tree period, for our area, and the only Maple tree we recommend. These trees are surprisingly lush and healthy and yet very drought tolerant. Closest to San Antonio,  a large stand of Bigtooth Maples grows  in the deep canyon "Hollows" of Tapatio Springs, off of Highway 46, between Pipe Creek and Boerne.
One grower from the Boerne area has been successful at propogating and making these trees available to the city of Boerne which is lining its streets and businesses with these beautiful trees. We should all do the same.

Landscape Use: Use as you would any medium size shade tree. Will last for hundreds of years and is moderately fast growing, perhaps three feet around each year, once established. Gets even more majestic with time. Size: 45 feet tall by 30 feet wide
Type: Deciduous shade tree with stunning fall foliage if conditions are right.
Drought Tolerance: Drought tolerant but looks best and grows faster with regular watering. A tough survivor!
Soil: Not particular about soil as long as it drains well and does not remain constantly wet. Does well in rocky soil or even better with soil enhancement. Great for Hill country type soils.
Water: Smart Watering Principle=Water well when first planted then allow to
dry slightly, without wilting, then water deeply again, etc. A soaking rainfall
should last for about two weeks worth of watering. Do not keep constantly wet.
Fertilizer: Responds well to regular fertilization.
Maintenance Tips: This tree balances itself out nicely with time, whether the
lower limbs are cut off or left to grow. Fall foliage is dependent on the proper
conditions of cool nights and dry, sunny, cool fall days. Fall foliage conditions
usually change significantly from areas south of the Hill Country where
conditions are warmer and tend to stimulate green growth rather than fall
foliage; to northern Hill Country areas where conditions are more favorable.
This tree does great with a sprinkler system in a yard where other trees provide