Sun Valley Red Maple

Sun Valley Red Maple (Acer rubrum 'Sun Valley')

Sun Valley Red Maple (Acer rubrum 'Sun Valley') is a refined shade tree selected for reliable performance, a clean canopy, and a fall color show that turns vivid red as the season cools. Through summer, it carries a dense green crown that provides comfortable shade and a crisp, established look in the landscape. In autumn, the canopy shifts into bright red tones that stand out from the street and across the yard, creating a signature seasonal moment. With its substantial size and dependable character, Sun Valley Red Maple is a natural focal point tree for front yards, backyards, and streetscapes where you want shade and consistent fall impact.

Distinctive Features

The defining feature is the fall display, with foliage that often turns a strong, saturated red and delivers a classic autumn finish. The tree typically develops an upright to oval-rounded canopy with good density, creating shade without looking messy. Leaves have the familiar red maple shape and a clean texture that fits almost any landscape style. As it matures, it becomes a dependable landscape anchor, bringing structure, height, and seasonal change that improves the property year after 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 45 to 55 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a signature shade tree where red fall color can define the landscape each autumn.
• 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 Sun Valley Red Maple?

• Vivid Red Fall Color: Selected for a strong autumn display that brings standout seasonal impact.
• Dense Summer Shade: Provides substantial canopy cover and a clean, established look.
• Dependable Landscape Performance: A proven choice for residential yards and streetscapes.
• Clean Canopy Structure: Develops a composed silhouette that looks intentional as it matures.
• High Impact Focal Point Tree: Combines shade, structure, and seasonal color in one reliable tree.

If you want a classic red maple with a dense summer canopy and dependable red fall color, Sun Valley Red Maple delivers long-term focal point presence and reliable landscape value.