Karpick Maple

Narrow, upright form: Ideal for streetscapes, smaller yards, and confined planting areas
Classic maple shade: Provides reliable canopy cover without excessive spread
Urban tolerance: Handles pollution, compacted soils, and challenging conditions
Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established
Consistent structure: Maintains a uniform, columnar habit over time

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Karpick Maple

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

Karpick Maple

A narrow-growing selection of Norway Maple, Karpick Maple is valued for its upright, columnar shape and dense green foliage. It provides vertical structure and shade while fitting comfortably into tighter landscape spaces.

General Information:

Botanical Name: Acer platanoides ‘Columnare’
Plant Type: Deciduous Shade Tree
Mature Height: 40–50 feet
Mature Spread: 20–30 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–7
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering and Flower Color: Small yellow-green flowers appear in early spring before leaf-out; not highly ornamental

Geographic Guidance:

Performs well across cool to temperate regions, including the Northeast, Midwest, and similar climates, where it tolerates seasonal temperature swings and urban conditions.

Why Choose This Plant?

Consider Karpick Maple if you want a structured shade tree without excessive width.

Columnar growth habit: Perfect for tighter spaces or along streets and property lines
Dense shade canopy: Provides effective cooling and coverage during summer
Urban tolerance: Performs well in city environments with pollution and compacted soil
Low maintenance: Strong structure with minimal pruning requirements
Adaptable: Thrives in a wide range of soil conditions and climates

Complete Care & Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Grows best in full sun for strong structure and dense foliage but tolerates partial shade.

Soil

Highly adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soil. Prefers well-drained conditions but tolerates less ideal soils.

Watering

Requires regular watering during establishment. Once established, it is fairly drought tolerant and low maintenance.

Pruning

Minimal pruning required. Shape in late winter if needed and remove dead or damaged branches to maintain health.

Uses & Landscape Benefits

Karpick Maple is ideal for street plantings, narrow lawns, and urban landscapes where width is limited but height is desired. Its upright form makes it a strong choice for lining driveways or framing structures, while still providing ample shade and a formal appearance. It’s especially useful where traditional maples would outgrow the available space.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: This is a large landscape tree and as such, requires a bit of planning before planting. First, measure the area where you would like to plant your hedge or row. You will need the length of the area of planting to estimate the number of trees you need.

When planting, dig a hole for each tree that is three times as wide as the root ball but just as deep. Place the tree, fill in around the tree with the same soil you took out when initially digging the hole. Finally, tamp down as you fill to cut back on any air pockets from forming, water the tree, then mulch to conserve moisture.

2. Watering: For the first two weeks, water your new tree every other day by holding a hose around it and counting to 20. If you don’t have a hose, 2 large watering cans full of water will do (smaller trees may only need a light soaking so a single can may suffice).

Related Resources

FAQs

Is Karpick Maple the same as ‘Columnare’?

Yes, Karpick is the commonly used name for the cultivar Acer platanoides ‘Columnare’.
Does it provide good shade?

Yes, it offers effective shade while maintaining a more upright canopy.
Is it good for urban areas?

Yes, it is highly tolerant of city conditions including pollution and compacted soils.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Mature Height	Large: Up to 30 ft or more
Mature Spread	10-20 ft
Growth Rate	Fast, Moderate
Botanical Name	Acer rubrum 'Karpick'
Bloom Time	Mid spring, Early Spring
Deer Resistant	Usually
Family	Aceraceae
Flower Color	Non Flowering
Hardiness Zones	4, 5, 6, 7
Light Needs	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low
Size	#15 Container

Map of the United States with all 50 states shaded green to show full coverage.

Growing Zones 3-7 Outdoors

(Hardy down to -40)

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Maintenance	Low	Medium	Low	Low	Low	Low