Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple

Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'Bailsta')

Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'Bailsta') is a classic sugar maple selected for dependable performance and a standout autumn display that brings rich, warm color to the landscape. It develops into a substantial shade tree with a dense green summer canopy, creating cooling shade and a timeless, established look. As the season turns, the tree lives up to its name with a fall finish that can shift into bright gold, orange, and red tones depending on site and climate. If you want a long-term focal point tree that delivers both summer shade and memorable fall color, Fall Fiesta Maple is an excellent choice.

Distinctive Features

The defining feature is the fall show, with color that tends to arrive vivid and saturated, giving the tree a strong presence from the street and across the yard. Leaves have the classic sugar maple shape and texture, forming a full, uniform canopy that looks clean and intentional through the growing season. The tree typically develops a strong branching framework and a broad crown, making it a reliable shade tree for lawns and larger planting areas. Over time, it adds a sense of permanence and structure that only improves with age, turning into a true landscape anchor.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade; best growth and fall color in full sun.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil; slightly acidic to neutral is ideal.
• 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 rounded canopy.
• Mature Size: About 45 to 60 feet tall and 35 to 45 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a signature shade tree where the fall color can define the landscape each autumn.
• Backyard Shade: Provide cooling canopy over lawns, patios, and outdoor living spaces.
• Front Yard Specimen: Build curb appeal with a tree that looks timeless in summer and dramatic in fall.
• Property Structure Planting: Add long-term scale, shade, and seasonal change behind layered plantings and along open edges.
• Large Lawn and Park Settings: A natural fit for open spaces where the full mature canopy can be appreciated.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during the first two seasons to establish roots; continue watering during drought to support 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 to develop strong branch structure and remove crossing or damaged limbs; maintain good clearance as needed.
• Feeding: Fertilize lightly in spring if growth is slow; avoid overfeeding which can push weak growth.
• Site Considerations: Provide adequate root space and avoid compacted, droughty sites for best long-term performance.

Why Choose Fall Fiesta Maple?

• Showy Fall Color: Delivers a vivid autumn display with warm gold, orange, and red tones.
• Classic Sugar Maple Look: Provides the timeless canopy and leaf texture homeowners expect from a sugar maple.
• Strong Shade Value: Creates a dense summer canopy that cools lawns and outdoor living areas.
• Long-Term Landscape Anchor: Grows into a substantial tree that adds permanence and value to the property.
• High Impact Focal Point Tree: Becomes a signature landscape feature that looks better with age.

If you want a classic sugar maple that delivers strong summer shade and a memorable fall color show, Fall Fiesta Maple provides long-term focal point presence and timeless landscape value.