American Red Maple

Every garden needs a serious tree – a proper shade tree that will grow with your family and outlive us all. The best choice is usually a native tree, which is well adapted to the climate and suffers from few diseases. American Red Maple is an excellent choice among those native trees, as it is hardy and more tolerant of urban conditions than, for example, the Sugar Maple. It will thrive on almost all kinds of soil, from rich, damp soils, to thin, dry soils and everything in between.

Growing American Red Maple Trees

With its spectacular brilliant red leaves in fall it is a tree that everyone can be proud to grow. Although usually grown as a specimen, American Red Maple is also a great choice for a windbreak or deciduous screen, or even as a special choice for an interesting and beautiful hedge. When young, your American Red Maple will grow quite rapidly, up to three feet a year, so it will quickly make a 20 foot specimen in your garden. As it matures the growth rate will slow down and most trees reach a final height of around 50 feet.

American Red Maple is much hardier than other Maples, and even many other shade trees for that matter. It will grow in a wide range of soils, from near-swamp conditions to dry sites. So whatever your soil Red Maple will thrive. It is resistant to insects and diseases and the strong wood will not break in storms. It is only occasionally eaten in winter by deer, and once grown tall will of course be out of their reach. It should not be planted where there are horses, as the fallen leaves are poisonous to them.

Hardiness

American Red Maple is hardy in zones 4 to 9, so it grows throughout America, except for the coldest parts of North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and the tip of Florida. This is a tree that everyone can grow and love.

Soil Conditions

It is tolerant of almost all types of soil, but will grow faster if you give it water and some fertilizer during its first few years. After that it will thrive on its own.

Planting Your American Red Maple

Allow plenty of room for your specimen American Red Maple. Plant your new tree at least 20 feet from your house and well away from driveways and roads. When planting as a screen or wind-break, allow 10 to 15 feet between the trees. A tree for life deserves a little care, so dig a wide, shallow hole about three times the diameter of the pot. Add some organic material like compost, manure or peat-moss and some bone-meal or superphosphate. Place the tree in the center of the hole, put back most of the soil and firm it down well. Add lots of water and when it has drained away finish with the rest of the soil. Water well every week for the first season and after that only when the soil is dry.

This tree can be planted in the shade of other trees but not too close to them. It will soon grow up and find the sunshine. It requires little pruning, just remove any weak branches and any that are growing too close together. Some water during drought periods and some tree fertilizer in spring in helpful for young trees but in a few years your tree will need nothing except admiration.

History and Origins of the American Red Maple

American Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is one of the most widespread native trees in North America. It is found all the way from Quebec to Florida, throughout all the eastern states of America. It is the state tree of Rhode Island. It is one of the most beautiful trees of the forests, reaching 80 or even over 100 feet tall in ideal locations. In fall its brilliant red leaves complement the gold of the Sugar Maples and purple of the Ash trees.

Although this noble tree can reach 100 feet, it is more usually seen as a specimen tree up to 50 feet tall. It will eventually be around 30 or 40 feet across. The trunk has smooth grey bark when young and only in older trees does it become more cracked in appearance. The trunk may be 18 to 30 inches across. The leaves are typical lobed maple-leaves but differ from other Maples in being much smoother in outline, with just three lobes at the end. In spring the tiny red flowers give a deep-red glow to the twigs and it is one of the first trees to flower, announcing the coming of spring. The most striking feature, and why this tree is such a good garden choice, is the flaming red foliage each fall, which lights up the garden as the cooler days arrive.

Buying American Red Maples at The Tree Center

There are many different forms of the American Red Maple, so it is important to get a strong, healthy form that will perform well in all conditions. Our trees are grown the correct way, from grafts of particular trees. That way every tree is identical to the original and will have its best features. However these take longer to produce, so avoid cheaper, seedling trees that will only be a disappointment.

We sell only trees that are true to the original form and we have a wide range of sizes to give you the best plant for your purpose. However, we are constantly renewing our stock so our customers get fresh, healthy plants, so supplies of this tree may be limited. To avoid disappointment order now.

What wildlife can the American Red Maple attract to my garden?

The American Red Maple, being a native tree, is a natural habitat and food source for a variety of wildlife. Birds, squirrels, and other small mammals often nest in its branches. In spring, the tree’s flowers attract bees and butterflies, contributing to local pollination. However, it’s also resistant to harmful insects and diseases, ensuring that it attracts beneficial wildlife without becoming a pest magnet.

How can I maximize the growth rate of my American Red Maple?

To maximize the growth rate of your American Red Maple, ensure it’s planted in a location with good sunlight and well-draining soil. Although it’s tolerant of almost all soil types, it will grow faster in rich, damp soil. During its first few years, regular watering and fertilization can significantly boost its growth. After this initial period, the tree is quite self-sufficient and will continue to grow rapidly with minimal care.

What kind of maintenance does the American Red Maple require?

The American Red Maple is a low-maintenance tree. It requires little pruning – just remove any weak branches and any that are growing too close together. Young trees benefit from watering during dry periods and a dose of tree fertilizer in spring. However, once established, the tree is drought-resistant and can thrive without much assistance. Its adaptability to many soil types also reduces the need for soil amendments.

What makes the American Red Maple a good choice for urban conditions?

The American Red Maple is an excellent choice for urban conditions due to its hardiness and adaptability. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including those found in urban areas. Its resistance to insects and diseases makes it less likely to be affected by common urban tree problems. Additionally, its rapid growth rate and large size make it an effective shade tree, contributing to the cooling of urban environments.

What are the potential issues if I have horses and plant an American Red Maple?

If you have horses, it’s important to be aware that the fallen leaves of the American Red Maple are poisonous to them. Ingestion can lead to serious health issues for your horses. Therefore, it’s recommended not to plant this tree in areas where horses have access. If you love the tree but have horses, consider planting it in a fenced-off area or somewhere out of the horses’ reach.

What is the significance of the American Red Maple’s fall color?

The American Red Maple is renowned for its spectacular fall color. As the cooler days of autumn arrive, the tree’s leaves transform into a brilliant, flaming red. This vibrant display is not only visually stunning, but it also signifies the change of seasons. The tree’s fall color can serve as a beautiful focal point in your garden, adding interest and color to the landscape when many other plants are starting to fade.

What is the historical significance of the American Red Maple?

The American Red Maple has a rich history in North America. It’s one of the most widespread native trees, found from Quebec to Florida. It’s also the state tree of Rhode Island, signifying its importance and prevalence in the region. Historically, it has been used for its timber and sap, and it continues to be a beloved feature of the American landscape for its beauty and hardiness.

What is the lifespan of the American Red Maple?

The American Red Maple is not only a rapid grower, but it’s also long-lived. With proper care and optimal conditions, it can live for over a century. Its longevity, coupled with its rapid growth, makes it a great investment for your garden. It’s a tree that can be enjoyed by generations, growing with your family and providing beauty and shade for many years to come.

Can the American Red Maple be used for timber?

Yes, the American Red Maple can be used for timber. Its wood is strong and resistant to breaking, even in storms. This makes it suitable for a variety of uses, including furniture, flooring, and even musical instruments. However, it’s important to note that cutting down a healthy American Red Maple for timber should be a last resort, as the tree is a valuable asset to the environment and the landscape.

What are the flowering characteristics of the American Red Maple?

The American Red Maple is known for its early spring flowers. These tiny red flowers give a deep-red glow to the twigs, creating a beautiful contrast against the still-bare landscape. As one of the first trees to flower, it’s often seen as an announcer of spring. The flowers also attract pollinators, contributing to the health of your garden and local ecosystem.