Question
QUESTION: I moved into a house I only plan to live in for a few years and noticed both a Norway and a silver maple in the backyard. It is June now and I live in Reno NV. The trees, especially the Norway, have hundreds of the dual winged seed pods. When should I remove them from the trees and how should I treat them? How will I know if they are any good? I would like to grow them in pots for the next few years to take with me when I move. Evasive tress, such as maples, aspens, locusts, poplars (cottonwood especially) and others, are the best trees to grow here because their aggressiveness helps them survive the clay and sand as well as the dry heat. So, I would like to have a few 3 year old trees to plant at the new place.

Also: what are my other choices? Can I dig up the root shoots growing off the Norway? Or..?

ANSWER: Hi Amanda,
Thanx for your question.  I'm not a tree expert but I can tell you that the winged seed pods will fall off the trees naturally as they ripen.  Gather the seed of Norway maple (Acer platanoides) and cold stratify it for 120 days.  That means take the seed and place it inside a wet paper towel and seal this inside a plastic baggie.  Leave it in the fridge for 120 days.  After that, plant the seed 1 inch deep in a pot and keep warm (about 75 F).  Germination will occur sporadically over the next few weeks.  Prick the seedlings out when they are large enough to handle and plant in separate pots.  After the last frost, put them outdoors in the shade for about 10 days.  After that, plant in full sun.  This tree is very invasive and not native to the U.S.  It was brought over to the East Coast from Europe in the 1750s.  Consideration must be given to the fact that it has invaded Northwestern forests, choking out naturally occuring North American species.  This tree could also pose a forest fire hazard.  The silver maple (Acer saccharinum) seed does not require cold stratification and can be planted like any other seed.  I did not see this tree on the recommended list from the University of Nevada Cooperative extension service.  See link below for trees recommended for Nevada.

http://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/ho/2006/sp0604.pdf

Because forest fires and soil conservation are such a grave concern to many of our Western States, I urge you to contact your local office of the Nevada Cooperative Extension Service.

http://www.unce.unr.edu/

I hope this helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: This is great information! While much research has let me to attempt cutting as a method of prorogation I am a bit confused about the type of tree I have. I see HUNDREDS of the same type of maple all over town. I look carefully - the leaves, seeds, bark and color match. So, if this tree is a danger I cannot imagine all landscape companies are planting them everywhere. I reviewed the list you send me and see a similar tree that is most likely my tree's true identity - Rock Mountain Maple. I will make a trip to a nursery with pictures of my tree to see if I can confirm before I start planting new ones. Thank you for your help!

Answer
Hi Amanda,
You're welcome.  I know it may seem odd to see something invasive being sold by nurseries but they do it all over the country.  I'm in California several times a year and often see nurserymen selling plants that have been outlawed by the state!  I guess until the state passes some kind of law prohibiting the sale, nurserymen will continue to sell trees, shrubs and plants that are a danger to the local environment.  Good luck!  
Tom