TAKE A BREAK
Best known for being a primary source of maple syrup and its brightly colored fall foliage, the sugar maple is a popular tree in North America and is certainly a landscape standout. It’s grown as a shade and ornamental tree, and has been a part of the forests for millions of years. An individual tree can live for over 200 years in the woods, or if properly maintained, in the yard. During the spring and summer, its luscious leaves are green, with tiny yellow flowers, but once the fall season rolls around, the leaves transform to colors of burnt orange, deep red, dark yellow, and hues of brown. The tree is so gorgeous that it’s Canada’s national tree , and the leaves serve as Canada’s national emblem on its flag and its coins! The sugar maple tree, at full maturity, can grow to roughly 60-75 feet tall, with a width of anywhere from 40-50 feet. It’s one of the treasures of the Eastern North American hardwood forests. The tallest sugar maple, located in Bethany, West Virginia, is 110 feet tall. Sugar maples can serve as the focal point of your yard while providing shade for your entire house as it develops a dense crown. Even the leaves are large, some reaching about 10 inches in both length and width. There are a few well-liked and well-stocked variations of this gorgeous tree, including Green Mountain Maple, Fall Fiesta, and Apollo. Exploring the Sugar Maple Tree TREE SPOTLIGHT
Apple Cranberry Crisp Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
If you’re feeling old-fashioned, treat yourself to this warm and bubbly dish. Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like a classic apple recipe.
If you’re interested in adding one to your yard, it’s important to research each. However, each variation has the same level of beauty and would make a great addition to your lawn, space providing. For those who harvest maple sap from the trees, February and
Ingredients
• 3 cups peeled and chopped tart apples • 1 1/2 cups cranberries • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, divided • 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 1/3 cup butter, cold • Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Directions
March are the best times to do so, just as the hours of sun start getting longer, the tree knows to suck sap up into the crown from its roots. Trees are tapped to gather sap, which is then boiled into syrup for your pancakes, baking, or a delicious treat. One tree can provide enough sap to boil down to a half gallon of maple syrup. Planting a pair of 12-ft sugar maple trees in your yard can be a more valuable investment over time than a gold “maple leaf” coin, because as they grow, they add massive value to the home. Let’s replace the tall shade tree canopy in town. Call us for a quote on planting a sugar maple!
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. In a large bowl, combine apples, cranberries, 1/4 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. 3. Grease an 8-inch baking dish and pour the mixture into it. 4. In a small bowl, mix flour and the remaining brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this over the fruit. 5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If desired, serve with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
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