October Glory Red Maple

October Glory Red Maple (Acer rubrum 'October Glory')

October Glory Red Maple (Acer rubrum 'October Glory') is a classic shade tree known for its strong canopy, dependable performance, and a fall color show that often peaks later in the season with vivid red tones. Through summer it forms a dense green crown that provides real shade and gives a yard an established, finished look. When autumn arrives, the canopy can turn brilliant red, creating a signature seasonal moment that stands out from the street and across the landscape. If you want a long-term focal point tree that brings summer comfort and an unforgettable fall finish, October Glory Red Maple is an excellent choice.

Distinctive Features

The defining feature is the late-season fall color, with foliage that often turns bright red after many other trees have already faded, extending the autumn show. Leaves have the classic red maple shape and create a clean, familiar texture that fits almost any landscape style. The canopy typically develops into a well-formed oval to rounded crown, providing substantial shade without looking messy. As it matures, it becomes a true landscape anchor, delivering scale, structure, and a seasonal highlight that homeowners look forward to each year.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade; best growth and fall color in full sun.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil is ideal; adaptable once established, but avoid droughty sites for best performance.
• 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 40 to 50 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a signature shade tree where late-season red 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 strong crown and a fall finish that reads from the street.
• 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 autumn color behind layered plantings and along open edges.

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 good structure and remove crossing branches; maintain a strong central leader.
• Feeding: Fertilize lightly in spring if growth is slow; avoid heavy feeding that can push weak growth.
• Site Considerations: Provide adequate root space and avoid severe soil compaction when possible for best long-term performance.

Why Choose October Glory Red Maple?

• Late-Season Red Color: Extends the fall display with vivid red tones when many trees are finishing.
• Strong Shade Canopy: Provides substantial summer shade and a clean, established look.
• Classic Red Maple Character: Familiar leaf shape and canopy texture that fits many landscape styles.
• Reliable Landscape Anchor: Grows into a substantial tree that adds long-term value to the property.
• High Impact Focal Point Tree: Becomes a signature feature with shade, structure, and seasonal drama.

If you want a classic shade tree that delivers a dense summer canopy and a vivid, late-season red fall finish, October Glory Red Maple provides long-term focal point presence and timeless landscape value.