Uses of the Sugar Maple Tree

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Overview

One of the best-known North American hardwood trees, sugar maples can grow to heights exceeding 100 feet. A member of the Aceraceae family, sugar maples are also known as hard maples or rock maples.

Sugar maple trees have a wide range of uses. image by "Intensity" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: Sabby3000 ::travel mode:: be back soon! (Sabrina Mae) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

Timber

A valuable hardwood, timber from sugar maples is used for furniture, flooring and general construction. It is also a desirable firewood.

Shade

The dense, spreading crown of the sugar maple creates welcome shade. Tolerant of a many soil conditions, varieties can be grown throughout the eastern U.S.

Landscaping

Sugar maples grow approximately 1 foot per year. Their moderately fast growth makes them a desirable landscaping tree.

Tourism

In the eastern United States, autumn brings an influx of tourists. The bright red leaves of the sugar maple tree draw visitors from around the world.

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is an important agricultural export in the northeastern U.S. and parts of Canada. Vermont produces the most maple syrup in the U.S.

Maple Sugar

After maple sap is boiled and syrup is produced, maple sugar remains. It is used to make candy and as a flavoring agent for maple-flavored products.

References

Cornell Extension: Sugar Maple

Keywords: sugar maple, maple syrup, foliage

About this Author

Moira Clune is a freelance writer who since 1991 has been writing sales and promotional materials for her own and other small businesses. In addition, she has published articles on VetInfo and various other websites. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hartwick College.

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