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BIGLEAF MAPLE (Acer macrophyllum)
Other Names: Oregon broad leaf maple, maple 

FAIR

This tree is found only in California, Oregon and Washington. It is the only tree sized maple found naturally along the Pacific slope. It grows rapidly when young, reaches ages of up to 300 years and 4 feet in diameter. 

The original blaze on this maple is frequently decayed completely away. The blaze may overgrow with the face decayed. It has been found with some scribe marks near the edges and in the overgrowth. The young trees are smooth barked and some of the original surveyors bark scribed them. Moss removal is difficult but must be done to insure a thorough search, and does payoff with recovered corners. When dead the maple decays rapidly. These maples "stool " out from the root crown of old stumps, usually with the shell or definite hole of the old stump in the center of the clump. Matching up these clumps for bearing and distance may lead to a recovered corner. There is no general rule concerning these trees. Each corner is a problem in itself. 

Select the best available tree when maples are all there is. Bark scribe or use a shallow bark blaze if possible, though usually difficult to do. When blazing the wood, keep the blaze small as possible, drain well and paint thoroughly. Select 8" trees or larger, with the least number of "sucker" limbs. Blaze between the suckers for best results.