UPDATE: In 2018, we noticed the leaves begin to wilt shortly after they appeared and the tree was bare before the end of summer. We were told it was likely as a result of Verticillium wilt, but advised to leave the tree in place through the following spring in hopes that it was something else and it might bounce back. When it didn’t bud in 2019, we removed it.
History: When the remnants of Hurricane Ike came through Ohio with sustained winds of 70 mph, it damaged thousands of old trees, including the mature black walnut tree in our yard. We removed the tree and replaced it with this one. In addition to the shade, the selling point of this tree was that it didn’t give off the “helicopter” seeds like other maples.
Care: The only instructions I was given about the tree were to water it periodically with a slow flow of water from a hose. I’ve done that, but not since the second or third year after it was planted.
Notes: The tree was positioned in order to create the most shade possible (at maturity) on the patio. I’m reading now that it could grow to 50 feet tall (which is fine) and 40 feet wide, which might require some pruning later to keep it off the house.
Resources:
Oakland Nurseries: http://plants.oaklandnursery.com/12130001/Plant/580/Superform_Norway_Maple
University of Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st039