Are you confused between these maple trees? It isn’t easy to choose a maple tree. Because there are 125 species of maple in the world. The major difference between the trees is their growing capacity and mature speed. Sugar Maple is a slow-growing tree. At the same time, October Glory is the fast-growing tree.
Alongside, you can differentiate these trees with the mature size and price range. Here I am going to discuss the idea of Sugar Maple vs October Glory.
Contents
About Sugar Maple
Do you know why it is called a sugar tree? Because it has the sweet sap. It can produce maple sugar and syrup with the vascular system.
Chief Woksis of the Iroquois founded the plant in 1609. The binomial name of this plant is Acer saccharum. However, it is also known as bird’s eye maple and sweet maple. This plant can produce 2.07 million gallons of maple syrup as of 2019.
About October Glory
The binomial name of this plant is Acer Rubrum. William and John Flemer invented the plant at Preston nursery in 1960. It is a deciduous tree with broadleaf capacity.
You can plant it as an ornamental tree. Yet, it has the highest wildlife value. This maple is a perfect choice for a shade tree.
Sugar Maple Vs October Glory: Quick comparison Table
| Specifications | Sugar Maple | October Glory |
| Features |
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| Growth capacity | 1-2 feet per year | 3 feet per year |
| Soil type |
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| Leaves |
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| Light |
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| Growing temperature | -40 to -38-degree Fahrenheit | -30 to -20-degree Fahrenheit |
| USDA plant hardiness zones | 3 through 8b | 5 through 9 |
| Mature size | 60 to 75 inches | 40 to 50 inches |
| Growing season |
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| Propagation | Easy | Easy |
| Mature speed | 40 years | 20 years |
| Pruning time | Mid-July to Early August | September to November |
| Uses | Golf courts, residential parks, streets, garden | Parks, Shades, Sidewalks |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Native | Eastern Canada and the eastern United States | Eastern and central North America |
| Cost | $500 to $750 | $178 to $990 |
Differences Between Sugar Maple and October Glory
Are there any differences between these trees? Yes. There are many differences. Let’s dive in.
Features
Let me start with the features. Sugar Maple is a slow-growing plant. Moreover, it produces greenish-yellow flowers and fruits called Samara. What’s more?
Do you know what makes it unique?
Well, the fruits of this tree can be a good food source for animals. The oval-shaped tree offers a double-toothed margin. Besides, maple syrup the tree provides great health benefits.
When it comes to October Glory, it has a rounded selection. Along with the glossy foliage, it comes up with an attractive outlook.
The tree has been connected with red-tinged wings. Also, it offers heavy density. This tree needs a high-quality nutrient soil mix. Yet, it is a fast-growing plant with high moisture levels.
Growth capacity
One of the most necessary things to consider for a maple tree is its growth capacity. Some species offer fast-growing capacity. There are also some slow-growing maples.
Sugar Maple can grow 1-2 feet per year. And the growth capacity of October Glory is 3 feet per year. So, you can understand the difference.
Leaves
Every maple tree offers different types of leaves. You have to check out the leaves before cultivating these trees. In that case, Sugar Maple has dark green and paler green leaves with 5 opposite loves.
On the other side, October Glory provides dark green color leaves with 3 opposite lobes.
Growing temperature
Knowing the growing temperature is as important as other features. Do you know why?
If you want better growth, you have to cultivate the trees at an appropriate growing temperature.
Beyond that, you can grow Sugar Maple at -40 to -38-degree Fahrenheit. October Glory can grow well at -30 to -20-degree Fahrenheit.
USDA plant hardiness zones
To know about the survival of the trees, you have to understand USDA plant hardiness zones. Apart from that, Sugar Maple has the USDA plant hardiness zones of 3 through 8b.
But the October Glory tree can survive into 5 through 9 USDA plant hardiness zones.
Mature size
Sugar Maple has a mature size of 60 to 75 inches. The mature size of October Glory is 40 to 50 inches.
Growing season
You have to consider the growing season of the trees. It ensures perfect growth. For growing Sugar Maple, early fall will be the best season.
On the contrary, the best seasons for growing October Glory are spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Mature speed
These trees have different mature speeds. The Sugar Maple comes up with a mature speed of 40 years. It will keep growing. Yet, this tree has a lifespan of 200-300 years.
What’s the difference?
October Glory has a mature speed of 20 years. Apart from that, it can grow faster than other maple trees.
Pruning time
Regardless, you can cut off the dry leaves and stems any season of the year. But for in-depth pruning, you have to wait for the perfect season.
Anyway, Sugar Maple requires pruning from mid-July to early August. Whereas the best pruning time of October Glory is between September to November.
Cost
At this point, you need to understand the price range of both trees. It is easy to cultivate the trees. So, you might not require extra cost.
You will get a Sugar Maple tree for $500 to $750. October Glory will cost $178 to $990. That’s the difference between these trees.
You can be interested to know about the differences between brandywine maple and october glory
What are the Similarities between Sugar Maple and October Glory?
Despite the differences, you will find some similarities between the maple trees.
Soil type
If you want to plant these trees, you need to understand the soil type. These trees can grow well with the rich and high nutrient soil mix.
Sugar Maple will need well-drained, deep, and acidic alkaline soil. Similarly, you will require well-drained, loamy, and acidic soil for October Glory.
Propagation
All maple trees can be propagated through the same process. However, you can propagate these trees with stem cuttings. But remember one thing, it will take time to grow a big tree from the cuttings.
Maintenance
Are you worried about the maintenance? Both trees have low maintenance capacity. You have to cultivate it in partial shade and full sunlight. Watering is also important for growing maple trees. While collecting the maple syrup, you have to clean the area properly.
Which one is better: Sugar Maple or October Glory?
Sugar Maple is better than October Glory. Because it has the best drought tolerance, this tree is great for a wide geographic area. Also, it produces the best maple syrup in the world.
Moreover, it has amazing wildlife value in Adirondack. The most significant role of the maple tree is the fruits and flowers.
Planting the maple tree will be useful for you in many ways. This plant has the best shade tolerance. Yet, it can resist insects and low moisture levels.
The leaves won’t fall off easily. But the October Glory has its drawbacks. At low moisture levels, the leaves of this plant can fall off. I will suggest planting a Sugar Maple tree.
You can also read the difference between fall fiesta sugar maple and autumn blaze maple
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prettiest maple tree?
Sugar Maple is the prettiest maple tree.
Are October Glory and Red Maple the same?
Yes. It is a cultivator of Red Maple. These trees have similar features like leaves, growing capacity, and native.
Which is better, Autumn Blaze or October glory?
Autumn Blaze is better than October Glory. Because it has a fast growth capacity with aggressive roots, also, it is an interspecific hybrid.
Where do sugar maples grow best?
It can grow best in New York, middle Atlantic states, New England, Central New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and the Appalachian Mountain.
How can you tell a sugar maple?
The first thing you have to notice is the leaf color. This tree has a dark green color on the outside and pale green color on the inside. Thus, you must check the five opposite lobes. Lastly, look into the U-shaped margins between the leaf edges.
Can you grow sugar maple in the UK?
Yes. You can grow the tree in Britain. The climate of the UK is perfect for this tree.
How tall is an October Glory red maple?
It can be 40 to 50 inches tall.
Final Thoughts
Considering all these, you can understand Sugar Maple vs October Glory. Make a budget for cultivating maple trees. Along with that, you have to know about the plantation of the maple tree.
If you maintain the tree properly, you will get an excellent shade tree for your lawn or golf area. Prepare a better place to grow a maple tree. Sometimes you should prune the larger leaves to keep the tree in shape. It will protect your tree from fungus disease. That’s it.
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