Also we are in northern Ohio.

What you pondering here doesn't exist - there is nothing about any one of these maples that would make it so that it had a bunch of roots higher or lower in the ground than the others. They are all large-growing maples that will come to dominate the site with their big tops and their big sod-like pancakes of roots starting right at the surface and going down from there, until a depth where the soil does not have enough air or looseness for numerous small roots is reached.

"Surface roots" - as in big roots sticking up out of the ground and interfering with mowing - will primarily be a feature of how far along each tree is in its development, rather than what kind each is.

This post was edited by bboy on Sun, Feb 2, 14 at 23:25

I always hear people saying how terrible silver maple trees are and not to plant them whether its because they are deemed invasive, messy and because of surface roots. These ones on our property were planted I would have to say 30-40 years ago if not older and yes they are huge. As of last summer I didn't see one surface root anywhere in the yard. I also have a few flower beds around them and haven't had an issue.

I was just unsure if the surface root problem of the October Glories were as big of an issue as people make it seem, since clearly the issue with silver maples doesn't exist in my yard...I also should add that the largest silver maple is 4 feet from our septic tank but not close to the leach field, never had a problem with the septic tank, foundation, concrete driveway or anything.

If you don't have surface roots after 40 years, you are not likely to due to your soil type. My folks planted 4 silvers about 55 years ago. One near the house and in the thickest clay has very bad surface roots, the others do not.

I'd be more concerned about your planting only maples. If something comes along that kills maples (like emerald ash borer is doing to ash trees) you will have a barren landscape.

tj

I really like the fast growing qualities these maples have and their fall colors. Any suggestions of other faster growing trees with great fall color?