What’s the best maple tree?
With tree diseases like dutch elm and emerald ash borer wreaking havoc on the US’s urban forests, many have turned to planting maples as an alternative. So when people ask landscapers “What maple should I plant?” the usual answers cover sugar or red maples and their numerous hybrids. But what if the answer was “None”?
The University of Illinois Extension has a broad take on the question. In their article “What is the best maple tree?” they cover some of the thinking around monoculture urban forests, the risks they can present, and alternatives.