My Dreamy Paperbark Maple Tree

Way back in the day, when I was studying for my Master Gardener, I came across photos of a Paperbark Maple. It quickly became an object of obsession for me. I adore plants in the landscape that have interest in all four seasons because I live in Zone 6(a) Ohio where we actually enjoy four distinct seasons. So I make a point to heavily plant my landscape with trees and plants that can offer this quality. And the Paperbark Maple definitely ticks all the boxes.

Currently, I can only show you one season of interest…winter. My tree was planted on December 9, 2022 and so I have yet to photograph the spring blooms, the samara and deep green triple leaflets in the summer or the fantastic red fall color. But one of the loveliest attributes of this tree is its bark. The bark is a deep brown with hints of cinnamon coloring. The bark defoliates (or peels) in lovely curls and instead of shedding the bark onto your lawn, this bark tends to be persistent. So you get the quality of peeling bark like a River Birch, but without the mess that Birches can leave on the ground below. So the beautiful defoliating bark is our winter interest. Let me show you…

The Paperbark Maple tends to be a slow grower, so if you plan to plant one I’d suggest paying extra for a larger (more mature) tree. It’ll be worth it if you want instant impact in your landscape.

I will be posting blogs with photos as the seasons come, so stand by…

If you are interested in planting a Paperbark Maple and have questions, comment them below. I’ll try to help in any way I can. I also strongly suggest doing your due diligence and researching the needs and statistics of this tree before purchasing and planting. I’ve included links below to products that I use for my young trees if you are curious.

Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.

Social Media

Instagram  @liquidambar_girl

For Mercy, Peace, Love merchandise click here

Products I use and (therefore) recommend:

Planty friends – Feel free to use these links to the products that I personally use for my trees.  I receive a small percentage of any sales through these links, so feel free not to use them if that bothers you.

Young Trees

Felco 6 Hand Pruners – https://amzn.to/3WK719c

Felco 2 Hand Pruners – https://amzn.to/3ChzcUU

Espoma Starter Fertilizer – https://amzn.to/3HBDnfZ

Espoma Tree Tone – 4lb bag – https://amzn.to/3Y5VJwL

Espoma Tree Tone – 8lbs for only $2 more – https://amzn.to/3X2MITV

Tree Watering Ring – https://amzn.to/3YlQ5X9

Tree Watering Rings – two for only $3 more – https://amzn.to/40w0kKs

Silky Pruning Saw – https://amzn.to/3Yn4Jxd

Excellent Books

Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs – https://amzn.to/3Y2CLqN

The Tree Book – https://amzn.to/3YlQZD1

The Holistic Orchard – https://amzn.to/3leubXm