Celebration Maple

Celebration Maple (Acer x freemanii 'Celzam')

Celebration Maple (Acer x freemanii 'Celzam') is a fast-growing shade tree that combines the best traits of red maple and silver maple, delivering quick canopy development with strong structure and dependable seasonal color. It forms a broad, attractive crown that provides real summer shade, then turns on a bright fall display that can shift into orange and red tones depending on site and climate. This is a go-to choice when you want a substantial tree in a reasonable time frame, without sacrificing a clean, refined look in the landscape. For larger yards, parks, and open front lawns, Celebration Maple makes an excellent focal point tree that grows into long-term presence.

Distinctive Features

The main advantage is the combination of speed and shape, with vigorous growth and a canopy that tends to develop evenly and look intentional as it matures. Leaves have a classic maple look, creating a dense green canopy through summer that cools outdoor spaces and adds a finished feel to the property. In autumn, the color shift brings a noticeable seasonal payoff and helps the tree stand out as the landscape changes. As it establishes, it develops into a strong shade tree with an upright to oval-rounded form that fits many residential and commercial planting 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 8.
• Habit: Deciduous shade tree with an upright to oval-rounded canopy.
• Mature Size: About 45 to 60 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a signature shade tree where the canopy and fall color can anchor the landscape.
• Backyard Shade: Create cooling canopy over lawns, patios, and outdoor living areas.
• Front Yard Specimen: Build curb appeal with a substantial tree that quickly develops presence.
• Street and Driveway Planting: A strong option for larger planting strips where you want height, shade, and seasonal change.
• Property Structure Planting: Add long-term scale and shade behind layered shrub and perennial plantings.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during the first two seasons to establish roots; continue watering during drought for best canopy health and fall performance.
• 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 when young to develop strong branch structure and remove crossing branches; maintain a strong central leader.
• Feeding: Fertilize lightly in spring if growth is slow; healthy trees in decent soil often need little feeding.
• Placement: Give it room to mature and avoid tight spaces, since the canopy is broad and provides substantial shade.

Why Choose Celebration Maple?

• Fast Shade Development: Builds canopy and cooling shade more quickly than many classic landscape trees.
• Strong, Clean Form: Develops a full, attractive crown that looks intentional as it matures.
• Seasonal Fall Color: Brings a noticeable autumn finish that adds warmth to the landscape.
• Adaptable Performance: Handles a range of soils and conditions once established.
• High Impact Focal Point Tree: Adds long-term value with summer shade and seasonal change.

If you want a fast-growing shade tree with a full canopy and dependable fall color, Celebration Maple delivers quick landscape impact and lasting focal point presence as it matures.