Hard Maple

The Hard Maple tree, also known as Sugar Maple is found all throughout the Midwest and grows on fertile, well drained hill slopes and valleys.  Due to its prolific seeds, it reproduces young trees with ease.  Hard Maple is a relatively slow grower and could be compared to Oak in growth speed.

The current  lumber market is in high demand for Hard Maple. The desirable part of the log is the white outer sap zone, which is very popular now for cabinets, flooring, and furniture. The wood itself is very dense, machines well, and takes a good stain.

The heartwood of the tree expands in size as the tree is put under stress. Such stresses include over-age, livestock grazing, fire and syrup tapping.