Question
In my yard, I have full-grown sugar maples and silver maples both.  Growing up throughout the yard though are little 4" seedlings, clearly maple.  How can I tell whether they are silvers or sugar maples at that young age?

Thanks for your help.

Will
Morris, IL

Answer
Will
The best way would be to compare a group of leaves to look for distinct differences between the leaves...Both are 5-lobed/pointed...Separate them into 2 piles as best as possible based on overall appearance, more VS less pointed, fuller VS thinner looking, front VS back of the leaf color differences...And any other distinct differences...I am assuming the leaves are small now so you may have to do it again as the leaves mature...
Silver Maple leaves are pinnate (thinner looking similar to a pin oak), coarsely-toothed, with deep sinuses or grooves...
Sugar Maples leaves are more palmate, with smooth margins. They resemble the leaf on the Canadian flag more...
Hope this helps you solve your problem...Let me know if it works or not...
Rick in southern NJ