Red Maple

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is a classic North American shade tree valued for its strong canopy, adaptable performance, and reliable seasonal color. It develops a full crown of green foliage that provides real summer shade and a clean, familiar look that fits almost any landscape style. In fall, the canopy can shift into warm tones that range from yellow and orange to red, bringing a noticeable seasonal finish that pairs well with evergreens and late-season plantings. With its substantial size and long-term presence, Red Maple is a natural focal point tree for lawns, streetscapes, and larger property plantings where you want shade, structure, and dependable year-to-year performance.

Distinctive Features

The defining features are its broad, well-formed canopy and its seasonal color potential, with fall tones that can vary by region, weather, and site conditions. In spring, red maple can also offer subtle interest with small flowers and new growth that may show reddish tones before the tree settles into summer green. The canopy typically develops an upright to oval-rounded form, providing substantial shade without feeling messy. As it matures, it becomes a true landscape anchor, bringing scale and structure that add value to the property and create a comfortable, shaded setting for outdoor living.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade; best growth and color in full sun.
• Soil: Prefers moist soil; adaptable to a range of soil types, including periodically wet areas, but performs best in well-drained sites.
• Water: Moderate; water regularly during establishment, then deep-water during prolonged dry periods.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9.
• Habit: Deciduous shade tree with an upright to oval-rounded canopy.
• Mature Size: About 40 to 60 feet tall and 30 to 45 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a signature shade tree where canopy size and 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 substantial crown and classic shade tree character.
• Street and Driveway Planting: A strong option for larger planting strips where you want height, shade, and seasonal change.
• Moist Site Planting: A useful choice for areas that hold moisture, where many shade trees struggle.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during the first two seasons to establish roots; continue watering during drought for best canopy health.
• 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 strong structure and remove crossing branches; maintain a strong central leader.
• Feeding: Fertilize lightly in spring if growth is slow; healthy trees in decent soil often need little feeding.
• Placement: Give it room to mature and avoid tight spaces, since the canopy will become broad and provide substantial shade.

Why Choose Red Maple?

• Classic Shade Tree Value: Delivers a strong canopy and long-term presence for residential and larger landscapes.
• Seasonal Color Potential: Fall tones can range from yellow and orange to red, adding a seasonal highlight.
• Adaptable Performance: Handles a range of soils and conditions, especially where moisture is available.
• Strong Landscape Anchor: Adds scale, structure, and property value as it matures.
• High Impact Focal Point Tree: Provides shade, structure, and seasonal change in one dependable tree.

If you want a classic shade tree with a strong canopy and reliable seasonal color potential, Red Maple delivers long-term focal point presence and dependable landscape performance.