Informal Report

To: COMM 1101

From: Smeetkumar Patel

Subject: Overview of the sugar maple (Acer saccharum)

The purpose of this report is to give a brief overview about the sugar maple tree in the Niagara
Region. It will talk about history, characteristics, uses and ideal growing conditions for the plant.

History

Sugar maple has a long history in the Niagara region. The Comfort Maple Tree, located in
Pelham, Ontario, is a remarkable sugar maple tree that stands approximately 25 meters tall
with a massive six-meter circumference and a 40-meter-wide crown. It is renowned as Canada's
oldest sugar maple (The Ontario Heritage Act, 2000). Additionally, The Ontario Forestry
Association estimated the tree to be 400-500 years old (1975). According to Iroquois legend,
Chief Woks is threw his tomahawk into a maple tree one winter evening. When he retrieved it
the next morning, sap began to flow from the tree. This sap was used to boil meat, leaving
behind a delicious, sweet maple flavor. This is about how maple syrup found (Maple history,
n.d)

Characteristics :

The sugar maple is a large tree, reaching heights of up to 35 meters and attaining a diameter of 90
centimeters (Government of Ontario, 2014). Furthermore, its leaves, which measure 8 to 20 centimeters
in length, are yellow-green and possess a distinctive five-lobed structure. These leaves undergo a
stunning transformation in the fall, displaying brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red (Government of
Ontario, 2014).Additionally, The sugar maple's fruits are paired samaras, and its bark, initially smooth
and grayish, gradually acquires furrows as the tree ages (Britannica, 2019).

Uses:

The sugar maple holds substantial historical and economic importance due to its role in the maple sugar
and timber industries (Brockman, 1986). Furthermore, sugar maple wood serves various purposes,
including the construction of furniture, flooring, paneling, and veneer. It's also a preferred choice for
crafting gun stocks, tool handles, cutting boards, wooden utensils, sporting goods, and musical
instruments such as violins (Ketledge, 1962). Moreover, Sugar maple is of high ecological importance,
providing food and shelter for a wide variety of organisms. White-tailed deer, moose, porcupine,
squirrels and snowshoe hare commonly eat the bark, twigs, or fruit of the sugar maple. Songbirds,
woodpeckers, and cavity nesters use the sugar maple as a home. (Burns, Honkala, 1990).
Growing condition:

Sugar maple thrives in specific conditions: moist soil, tolerates shade but prefers full sun, and does best
in deep, rich, and well-drained soil (Government of Ontario, 2014). When planting, it's recommended to
plant sugar maple in mid-October without waiting for spring. Prepare a suitable seed bed, plant the
seeds 2 inches deep, and don't forget to stratify the seeds first (White Oak Nursery, 2013).

Summary:

Sugar maple, an iconic tree in the Niagara region, has a rich history, known for its syrup. This large,
colorful-leaved tree is valued for its wood and vital to wildlife. As well as, it thrives in moist, well-drained
soil and should be planted in mid-October following proper seed preparation.

References:
Britannica. (2019). Sugar Maple: Characteristics. Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/plant/sugar-maple .

Brockman, C.F. (1986). Trees of North America: A Guide to Field Identification (Revised Edition). Western
Pub. Co., Inc. 280pp. Retrieved from https://www.bates.edu/canopy/species/sugar-maple/ .

Burns, R.M., & Honkala, B.H. (1990). Silvics of North America (Vol. 2). United States Department of
Agriculture. Retrieved from https://www.bates.edu/canopy/species/sugar-maple/ .

Government of Ontario. (2014). Sugar Maple: Characteristics and Growing Conditions. Ministry of
Natural Resources and Forestry. Retrieved from https://www.ontario.ca/page/sugar-maple .

Ketledge, E. H. (1962). The Maples of New York. New York State Conservationist, 16(5), 31-32. Retrieved
from https://wildadirondacks.org/trees-of-the-adirondacks-sugar-maple-acer-
saccharum-Marshall.html#uses .

Maple History. (n.d.). Maple Syrup. Retrieved from https://www.massmaple.org/about-maple-

syrup/maple-history.

The Ontario Forestry Association. (1975). Sugar Maple History. Retrieved from https://npca.ca/parks-
recreation/conservation-areas/comfort-maple .

The Ontario Heritage Act. (2000). Sugar Maple History. Retrieved from https://npca.ca/parks-
recreation/conservation-areas/comfort-maple .

White Oak Nursery. (2013). Acer saccharum. Retrieved from

http://www.whiteoaknursery.biz/seed_prop/acer_saccharum.shtml .