Autumn Blaze Maple

Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer � freemanii 'Autumn Blaze')

Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer � freemanii 'Autumn Blaze') is a fast-growing hybrid that combines the best traits of its parents�Red Maple and Silver Maple�into one of the most popular shade trees in American landscapes. It�s prized for its brilliant scarlet-red fall color, rapid growth rate, and uniform oval form. With strong branch structure and improved drought resistance over pure Red Maple, 'Autumn Blaze' delivers reliable performance in a wide range of conditions.

Distinctive Features

'Autumn Blaze' features medium green foliage that turns vibrant crimson to fiery orange-red in autumn, often holding color later than many maples. It forms a dense, broadly oval canopy with a strong central leader, typically reaching 40 to 50 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide at maturity. Its fast growth rate�up to 3 feet per year�makes it an excellent choice for quick shade and landscape establishment.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best color and growth; tolerates light shade.
• Soil: Adapts to a range of soils, including clay; prefers moist, well-drained soil.
• Water: Moderate; more drought-tolerant than Red Maple once established.
• Humidity: Tolerates a variety of climates; performs well in both humid and dry regions.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3�8; cold hardy and heat adaptable across a wide geographic range.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Vivid fall color and symmetrical form make it a seasonal standout.
• Shade Tree: Provides fast shade for large yards, patios, or play areas.
• Street or Parkway Tree: Upright branching habit suits suburban and urban plantings.
• Windbreak or Privacy Row: Dense canopy creates seasonal screening and shelter.
• Large Landscapes: Fills space quickly and adds multi-season appeal.

Low Maintenance Care

Autumn Blaze Maple is valued for its low-maintenance nature and reliable performance. With minimal care, it delivers decades of beauty and shade.

• Watering: Water deeply during prolonged dry spells, especially during establishment.
• Pruning: Light pruning in winter helps maintain shape and remove weak or crossing branches.
• Fertilizing: Fertilize in spring with a balanced tree fertilizer if growth slows.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Resistant to many common maple pests; less susceptible to chlorosis in alkaline soils than Red Maple.
• Winter Care: Fully hardy; no protection needed in northern climates.

Why Choose Autumn Blaze Maple?

Autumn Blaze Maple offers the perfect balance of speed, structure, and fall brilliance. It�s a dependable, versatile tree that works well in residential and commercial landscapes alike.

• Exceptional Fall Color: Vivid red foliage provides a dramatic seasonal display.
• Rapid Growth: One of the fastest-growing shade trees available.
• Strong Structure: Improved branching reduces breakage and enhances form.
• Low Maintenance: Adaptable and easy to care for once established.
• Broad Climate Tolerance: Thrives in varied soil and weather conditions.

For fast shade, brilliant color, and reliable structure, Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer � freemanii 'Autumn Blaze') is a top-tier choice for standout performance in any landscape.