Forty and 50 years ago, Norway maples (Acer platanoides) were horticulture’s answer to everything.

They were the miracle tree, the standard that all other trees were compared to.

No wonder. The list of positives for Norway maples was endless.

They would grow in challenging city conditions, tolerating pollution and poor soil. They were perfect on city boulevards, where gravel and compacted soil was the norm.

Norway maples were quick growing, forming a dense canopy of large dark green leaves, providing shade for active backyards. Their yellow fall colour was delightful.

Below the earth’s surface, Norway maples formed a tight network of fibrous roots, a........

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