Acer campestre

Field Maple

Physical Traits & Growth

Typical max. heightiMaximum height in typical conditions, in metres. Full data also shows maximum achievable height in exceptional conditions.:
Typically <15m, exceptionally 20m 1
26m 5
Usually up to 15m, occasionally 25m 6
25m 7

Max. canopy widthiLikely maximum horizontal width of the canopy, in metres:
Depends on cultivar, natural form typically globular 1
4-8m 2
Rounded 3

Size of shadowiSize of shadow based on a fully grown tree, categorised as low, medium or high: Moderate (157 sqm)

Canopy densityiShading intensity of the canopy when in full leaf. Categorised from open to dense.: Dense 1

Leaf emergenceiTime of leaf emergence, categorised as very early, early, late, or evergreen: Early (Apr to Nov 1)

Growth rateiHow quickly the tree grows during establishment. Categorised as low, moderate or high, with very high used in exceptional cases.: Moderate 1 to high 39

LongevityiExpected lifespan of the tree: Usually up to 120 years 8, or 200+ years 2

Management & Systems

Typical systemsiCommon agroforestry or silvicultural systems where this species is used:
Lowland 2
Arable, pasture and veg systems 5

Approach to silvicultureiCoppicing and pollarding ability: Coppices well 13

Establishment requirementsiCommon requirements to establish the tree: Fast growing, but requires protection from high herbivore pressure 3

Management requirementsiCommon long-term management needs such as pruning. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Minimal or no pruning 1

Pruning timeiOptimal season for pruning: Summer or winter (mid) 1

Acer campestre Ebsdorfergrund-Frauenberg, Hesse, Germany/ 006 Willow/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/deed.en

Products & Economy

Food productsiCommon food products such as fruits and nuts:

Wood productsiCommon wood products, including timber, turnery, and pulp: Timber 1, low yielding 2

BiomassiCommon biomass products such as fuelwood: Fuelwood 5

Speciality productsiOther speciality and niche products:

Time until market (food)iNumber of years until the tree produces food products:

Time until market (timber)iNumber of years until the tree produces wood products: Typically 8-15 years, up to 30 years 14

Ecology & Utility

Nutrient and organic matter accumulationiRough estimate of soil-improving properties, with larger and deeper-rooting trees predicted to have higher value. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Low – shallow root depth and low canopy area

Nitrogen fixationiNitrogen-fixing properties, categorised as yes or no: No

High carbon sequestrationiAll trees sequester carbon, but faster-growing, larger trees generally have higher sequestration potential.:
Short-term (20 years): Relatively low
Medium-term (40 years): Very low
Long-term (60 years): Very low

Native status in the UKiCategorised as native, long-established, or recent introduction.: Native 1

High wildlife valueiMost trees are likely to be of some value to wildlife, but some trees are of generally higher value to various wildlife groups:
Relatively low 5
Highest value for pollen and nectar 5

Pollinators

Flowering period (pollinator benefit)iTypical flowering months: Apr-May 1

High pollen and nectar value for pollinatorsiValue of flowers to pollinators: Moderate to high 1

Susceptibility & Risks

Risk of toxicity to livestockiReported potential toxicity to livestock, categorised as yes or no. Toxicity is complex and often context-specific.: None known

Risks to farming operationsiOther risks such as suckering roots, very large tree size, secondary host for aphids, and flammability: Could inhibit growth of nearby plants 5

Disease susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to diseases, e.g. fungal and bacterial disease:
Low
Few serious disesases 9
Can be affected by wilt caused by a soil-borne fungus 3
May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch, honey fungus 6

Invertebrate pest susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to invertebrate pests, e.g. aphids and other insects:
Moderate
Can be affected by sycamore gall mite 3
May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars, horse chestnut scale 6

Vertebrate damage susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to vertebrate pests, e.g. squirrels and deer:
Moderate
Moderate sensitivity to browsing 7
Seriously damaged by Rabbits 9