Silver Maples can be nice trees if planted far away from power lines and
septic systems. Unfortunately most residential areas and developments are
not designed with enough space to accommodate their large size and invasive
root systems which is why I consider Silver Maples to be a horticultural
scam.

With no regard to the problems they cause, less scrupulous developers often
plant Silver Maples instead of slower growing trees with lower maintenance
costs because they create shade quickly. When Silver Maples become large
enough to be a threat to power lines they must be "groomed" (which is a
euphemism for top cutting). "Grooming" is costly to the utility companies
and passed on ultimately to the consumer in the form of higher utility
rates. In addition to creating an unnatural looking tree, top cutting Silver
Maples results in "sucker branches" which are much more likely to cause
property damage by breaking during high winds.

The invasive root systems of Silver Maples grow into sewer pipes, causing
backups and expensive repairs.

I don't think the wood from a Silver Maple is of much value for either
building or cabinetry. If your grandfathers had planted a Red Oak or a Black
Walnut 90 years ago there would be more than sentimental value in the
unfortunate event that the trees should have to be cut down.

With all due respect, I can understand why you love the trees your ancestors
planted; however, Silver Maples simply are not suited for most situations.

"Brent Harsh" wrote in message
om...
Jack Anderson wrote:
The seeds from bradford pears are spread by birds and produce very
hardy,
thorny, non-native pest trees that take root virtually anywhere,
crowding
out native species and creating problems for anyone who owns and
maintanes
property. Planting a Bradford pear is a most irresponsible act. They are
an
even bigger horticultural scam tree than the silver maple or the mimosa.

Interesting - what's wrong with a silver maple? My Grandmother has
two huge ones that are now about 90 years old, planted by my
grandfather and his father when he was about 5 years old. Those two
trees are some of my favorite old giants, especially with the family
connection. She recently had them "groomed" by an arborist who
cleaned out a lot of the deadwood and hopefully they'll go on for
awhile yet.




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