Garden Center Offers Refunds for Invasive Maples
King's Farm Market in Gorham will reimburse customers who bought Norway or Amur maple trees between May and September 2026.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Organic Food
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King's Farm Market agreed to reimburse customers who purchased Crimson King Norway maple or Flame Amur maple trees. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry announced the reimbursement in a social media post.
Why it matters
Norway and Amur maple trees compete with native plants and spread into natural areas. Removing the purchased trees can help prevent further spread across Maine.
Qualifying purchases were made between May and September 2026, after Norway and Amur maple species, varieties, and hybrids were prohibited for sale or import in Maine in 2018. Customers can contact King's Farm Market at 207-839-5844 to request reimbursement, but the total number of affected trees was not disclosed.
The players
King's Farm Market
A Gorham-based garden retailer that agreed to reimburse customers who purchased the restricted maple trees.
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
The Maine state agency that regulates agriculture and forestry and announced the reimbursement agreement on social media.
The details
King's Farm Market in Gorham agreed to refund customers who bought Crimson King Norway maple or Flame Amur maple trees. Customers seeking reimbursement are asked to call the store at 207-839-5844.
Timeline
2018: Sale and import of Norway and Amur maples prohibited in Maine.
May 2026 to September 2026: Period of qualifying purchases.
November 7, 2026: Reimbursement agreement reported publicly.
Seasonal Patterns
Maine's 2018 prohibition on sale and import of Norway and Amur maples set the legal baseline for this episode. The reimbursement shows retailers being asked to unwind sales that occurred under that ban during the 2026 planting season.
Maine residents who bought Crimson King Norway or Flame Amur maple trees this past season can call King's Farm Market at 207-839-5844 to request a refund. Gardeners planning new plantings should avoid these species and choose native alternatives.
The takeaway
Gardeners can reduce spread of invasive species by checking the species and variety of a tree before planting. Removing previously purchased Norway or Amur maples can help protect nearby native plants and natural areas.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore Organic Food news in Maine.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WMTW.
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