Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple

Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'Bailsta')

Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'Bailsta') is a vigorous, cold-hardy cultivar of the native sugar maple, prized for its rapid growth, dense canopy, and outstanding fall color. Selected in Minnesota for its exceptional hardiness and resilience, this cultivar delivers reliable performance in northern climates while offering all the ornamental beauty of traditional sugar maples. Its large, dark green leaves turn brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow in fall, creating a true �fiesta� of color in the landscape.

Distinctive Features

'Fall Fiesta' matures at 50 to 75 feet tall with a broad, rounded crown that provides excellent shade. It features thick, leathery foliage that resists leaf tatter and wind damage better than many other sugar maples. In spring and summer, the dark green leaves create a lush, cooling canopy, while in autumn the tree erupts in a vibrant mix of red, orange, and gold. Its strong branching structure and adaptability to urban conditions make it an excellent choice for street plantings, parks, and residential lawns. Its vigorous growth and bold color make it a commanding focal point in larger landscapes.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun for best canopy development and fall color.
• Soil: Grows best in deep, moist, well-drained soils; tolerates a variety of soil textures once established.
• Water: Moderate; benefits from consistent moisture, especially in early years.
• Humidity: Performs well in humid northern and central climates; more tolerant of heat and drought than many sugar maples.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3�8; one of the most cold-hardy sugar maple cultivars available.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Broad canopy and multicolor fall foliage create dramatic seasonal display.
• Shade Trees: Fast-growing with dense foliage, ideal for cooling residential yards and open landscapes.
• Urban and Suburban Lawns: Handles confined root zones and roadside conditions better than many large trees.
• Parks and Campuses: Durable structure and showy color make it a reliable choice for long-term plantings.
• Legacy Trees: A long-lived native species that improves with age and maturity.

Low Maintenance Care

Fall Fiesta is a low-maintenance tree when sited properly. With strong roots, excellent structure, and high pest resistance, it requires little beyond occasional watering and annual cleanup.

• Watering: Provide regular water during establishment; mature trees tolerate occasional drought.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; maintain structure by removing crossed or damaged limbs in winter.
• Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring if needed based on soil conditions.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Naturally resistant to leaf tatter, scorch, and common maple pests.
• Winter Care: Extremely cold-hardy with no special protection needed in northern climates.

Why Choose Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple?

Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple delivers on all fronts: fast growth, rich fall color, rugged cold tolerance, and strong structure. It�s a reliable choice for landscapes that need beauty and resilience in equal measure.

• Outstanding Fall Color: A vibrant blend of orange, red, and yellow foliage.
• Cold Hardy: Performs exceptionally well in northern climates down to Zone 3.
• Fast Growing: Establishes quickly with a dense canopy and broad shade.
• Tough and Resilient: Thick leaves resist wind damage and urban stress.
• Low Maintenance: Strong natural form requires little pruning or intervention.

With rugged hardiness, reliable structure, and unforgettable fall color, Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'Bailsta') is a high-performance choice for landscapes that demand both strength and beauty.