Green Mountain Sugar Maple Tree

Green Mountain® sugar maple is an upright, broadly oval selection with dense, leathery dark-green leaves and dependable autumn color. Green Mountain is the trade name for cultivar 'PNI 0285'; its U.S. plant patent, PP 2,339, issued January 7, 1964, as recorded by [Dawes Arboretum](https://dawesarb.arboretumexplorer.org/taxon.aspx?t=19707) and the [Journal of Arboriculture](https://joa.isa-arbor.com/request.asp?ArticleID=1814&JournalID=1&Type=2). ## Landscape Use and Seasonal Interest This large deciduous tree provides shade and a broadly oval crown for open lawns, parks, and spacious planting areas. Its dark-green summer leaves are thick and leathery; fall foliage can range from yellow and orange to scarlet or red. The [University of Minnesota](https://trees.umn.edu/sugar-maple-acer-saccharum) gives cultivar dimensions of 50–60 feet high and 45–50 feet wide, while [J. Frank Schmidt & Son](https://jfschmidt.com/all-trees/green-mountain-maple/) lists 50 feet by 40 feet and reddish-orange to red fall color. ## Siting and Soil The [breeder lists USDA Zone 3](https://jfschmidt.com/all-trees/green-mountain-maple/), while the [University of Minnesota gives the species a general range of Zones 3–8](https://trees.umn.edu/sugar-maple-acer-saccharum). Site in full sun to part shade with moist, well-drained soil and room for a broad root system. Compared with typical sugar maple, Green Mountain has thick foliage with better heat and leaf-scorch resistance and can tolerate drier conditions; this does not remove the species’ sensitivity to road salt, compaction, and prolonged drought. [University of Illinois](https://woodyplants.nres.uiuc.edu/plant/acesugm02) and the University of Minnesota document these cultivar traits and care context. ## Maintenance Water during establishment, protect the root zone from compaction and deicing salt, and allow the mature crown to develop. Use formative pruning only as needed to maintain sound structure and clearance.