Acer saccharinum is popular as a rapid-growing shade tree.

The silver maple is often planted as an ornamental in many urban areas because of its ease of transplanting and establishment. It is also used for vegetative rehabilitation of surface-mined lands and for bottomland reforestation.

This species has some wildlife value. Seeds are eaten by many birds and small mammals. The bark is eaten by mammals like beavers and deer. Pollen attracts bees and other insects.