FAQs About Sugar Maple Trees in Westchester County

WM Tree Services • June 19, 2025
Looking up at a tree with yellow and orange leaves

Sugar maple trees (Acer saccharum) are beloved in Westchester and Putnam Counties for their stunning fall color and sturdy presence in residential and natural landscapes. If you’re considering planting one or simply want to care for an existing tree, here are answers to some common questions. When you need tree care services in Westchester or Putnam County, contact WM Tree Services.


What Makes Sugar Maples So Popular?

Sugar maples are known for their vibrant fall foliage, producing brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. They also offer dense summer shade and are valued for their hard wood. In addition, they're the source of traditional maple syrup, though that process is more common in rural, colder regions.


How Big Do Sugar Maples Get?

In ideal conditions, sugar maples can reach 60–75 feet tall, with a broad canopy. Their size makes them best suited for larger yards where roots and branches have plenty of room to spread.


Do Sugar Maples Grow Well in Westchester?

Yes, Westchester’s climate and soil are generally well-suited to sugar maples. These trees prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil and do best with full sun to partial shade. They’re also cold-hardy, which is important in this part of New York.


How Much Maintenance Do They Require?

Sugar maples are relatively low-maintenance once established. Regular watering during dry spells, mulching to protect roots, and pruning for shape and deadwood removal are key tasks. Avoid compacting the soil around their roots, and be mindful of road salt in winter, which can damage them.


Are Sugar Maples Prone to Disease?

While hardy, they can be susceptible to leaf scorch, tar spot, and verticillium wilt, especially if stressed by drought or poor soil. Routine monitoring and seasonal inspections can help catch issues early.


Professional Tree Care Service in Westchester and Putnam Counties

Trees are a vital part of any landscape, providing beauty, shade, and environmental benefits. However, keeping them healthy and structurally sound requires expert care. At WM Tree Service, our certified arborists in Westchester County and Putnam County offer professional tree care services to help residential and commercial property owners maintain thriving, safe, and resilient trees. Whether you need a diagnosis for a sick tree, assistance with pest control, or guidance on planting and maintenance, our experienced team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact our team at 914-257-7225 to request a quote or schedule an appointment for tree care in Yorktown Heights or any nearby community.

WM Tree Services Blog

How to Spot Tree Disease Before It Spreads

By WM Tree Services • May 20, 2025
Trees add shade, beauty, and value to your property, but like any living thing, they can get sick. And in Westchester and Putnam Counties, where seasons bring plenty of moisture and changing temperatures, tree diseases are more common than you might think. The good news? If you catch the warning signs early, you might be able to save your tree before the damage spreads. We explain the top signs of tree disease to look out for. When your trees need a health diagnosis or disease management in Westchester or Putnam County, contact WM Tree Services. Discolored or Spotty Leaves One of the most obvious red flags is unusual leaf color or spotting. If you see yellow, brown, or black spots, or leaves turning colors way before fall, your tree could be battling a fungal infection like anthracnose or tar spot. These conditions can weaken the tree over time if not treated. Early Leaf Drop or Thinning Canopy If your tree starts shedding leaves in early summer or its canopy looks sparse, that’s a sign of stress. Disease, root issues, or pest infestation might be at play. Compare your tree to others of the same species; if it’s lagging, something’s off. Cankers, Cracks, or Oozing Sap Cankers (sunken, dead areas on the bark) or cracks can indicate disease or internal decay. Oozing sap or a sticky residue on the trunk may point to infections or infestations. Sometimes these are accompanied by a foul smell, which is another sign your tree’s not doing well. Fungi or Mushrooms at the Base Fungal growth around the roots or trunk base is a telltale sign of internal rot. While not all mushrooms are a death sentence, their presence usually means it’s time to call in a professional arborist for an assessment. Tree Health Diagnostics in Westchester and Putnam Counties Trees can’t tell you when they’re sick, but they do show signs of distress. If you’ve noticed yellowing leaves, dead branches, or unusual growth patterns, our arborists can perform a detailed health assessment to identify the issue. Using industry-leading techniques, we diagnose nutrient deficiencies, root problems, and structural weaknesses, providing a customized plan to restore tree vitality. Call WM Tree Services at  914-257-7225  to get a diagnosis and treatment for your trees today.
A man in a green shirt is standing in front of a truck.

Why is it Important to Work with a Licensed Arborist for Tree Care?

By WM Tree Services • April 3, 2025
Trees are a valuable part of any property, providing beauty, shade, and environmental benefits. However, maintaining their health and safety as they grow often requires expert care, especially in urban environments. That’s where a licensed arborist comes in. At WM Tree Service, our certified arborists specialize in tree health, safety, and maintenance, ensuring that your trees receive the professional attention they need to thrive. What is a Licensed Arborist? An arborist is a tree care expert trained in the science of planting, maintaining, and diagnosing trees. Arborists have specialized knowledge of tree biology, pest and disease management, and proper pruning techniques. As a licensed arborist, we have met industry standards for safety and expertise, ensuring we can provide high-quality care while minimizing risks to your trees and property. When Do You Need an Arborist? There are many situations where calling a licensed arborist is the best choice for your trees: Tree Health Concerns If you notice yellowing leaves, dead branches, or unusual growth patterns, an arborist can diagnose the issue and recommend treatment. Tree Pruning & Maintenance Proper pruning promotes healthy growth, prevents disease, and reduces the risk of falling limbs. An arborist knows how to trim trees safely and effectively. Storm Damage & Emergency Tree Services After a storm, damaged or fallen trees can pose a danger. A licensed arborist can assess the situation and safely remove hazardous trees. Pest & Disease Control Trees are vulnerable to pests and diseases that can spread quickly. An arborist can identify and treat infestations before they cause serious harm. Tree Planting & Transplanting Choosing the right tree for your landscape and ensuring it’s planted correctly sets it up for long-term success. An arborist can help you select and plant trees that will thrive. Tree Removal Taking down a tree, especially a tall or hazardous one, requires precious techniques that can only be learned through training and experience. At WM Tree Service, we are committed to providing expert tree care in Westchester and Putnam Counties. Our licensed arborists have the skills and experience to keep your trees healthy, safe, and beautiful. Please give our Hudson Valley tree care team a call at  914-257-7225  to schedule an assessment and learn how we can help maintain your cherished trees.