Armstrong Red Maple

Armstrong Red Maple (Acer rubrum 'Armstrong')

Armstrong Red Maple (Acer rubrum 'Armstrong') is a narrow, upright shade tree that brings the classic red maple look to landscapes that need height without a wide canopy. It is a strong choice for street lawns, driveways, and tighter residential planting zones where a broad-spreading maple would crowd the space. Through summer it provides a dense green canopy and a clean vertical silhouette, then finishes the season with strong fall color that can range from orange to red, depending on site and climate. If you want a long-term tree that adds structure, shade, and a reliable seasonal change, Armstrong Red Maple makes an excellent focal point.

Distinctive Features

The defining feature is the columnar habit, which creates a strong vertical line and makes the tree easier to fit into narrow spaces. Leaves have the familiar red maple shape and texture, forming a full canopy that provides cooling shade while staying more contained in width. Fall color is a major highlight, often turning warm orange to red and adding a noticeable finish to the landscape. As it matures, Armstrong develops a tidy, intentional structure that works well in both traditional yards and more modern landscape designs.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade; best growth and fall color in full sun.
• Soil: Adaptable; prefers moist, well-drained soil but tolerates a range of soil types once established.
• Water: Moderate; water regularly during establishment, then deep-water during prolonged dry periods.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9.
• Habit: Deciduous shade tree with a narrow, upright to columnar canopy.
• Mature Size: About 40 to 60 feet tall and 12 to 18 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a vertical specimen where height and fall color can anchor the landscape.
• Street and Driveway Planting: A strong fit for tight planting strips where a wider shade tree would be too large.
• Side Yard Shade: Add canopy and cooling shade in narrower spaces without losing access and openness.
• Property Line Structure: Plant in a row for a tall, seasonal screen effect with a more contained footprint.
• Modern Landscape Designs: The columnar form adds clean lines and architectural structure to contemporary plantings.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during the first two seasons to establish roots; continue watering during drought for best canopy health.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3 inch mulch layer over the root zone to conserve moisture and protect roots, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to maintain a strong central leader and remove crossing or crowded branches.
• Feeding: Fertilize lightly in spring if growth is slow; avoid overfeeding, which can push weak growth.
• Site Considerations: Provide adequate root space and avoid severe soil compaction when possible for best long-term performance.

Why Choose Armstrong Red Maple?

• Narrow, Upright Form: Delivers shade tree presence in spaces where wider trees will not fit.
• Classic Maple Canopy: Provides summer shade and a familiar leaf texture in a more space-conscious footprint.
• Strong Fall Color: Finishes the season with warm orange to red tones that add noticeable seasonal impact.
• Excellent Street Tree: Upright structure works well along streets, driveways, and narrow lawns.
• Easy Focal Point Tree: Creates a long-term anchor with shade, seasonal change, and a tidy silhouette.

If you need a tall shade tree with a narrow footprint and dependable fall color, Armstrong Red Maple offers classic red maple character and focal point presence without taking over the space.