October Glory Maple

A beautiful shade tree is almost a necessity in a completed garden. It will shade your front or back yard and your home, making cool shade for play, parties or barbeques. The best choice is usually a native tree, which is well adapted to the climate and suffers from few diseases. October Glory Maple is an improved form of the native Red Maple, so it is hardy and more tolerant of urban conditions than, for example, the Sugar Maple.

Growing October Glory Maple Trees

October Glory Maples will thrive in almost all kinds of soil; from rich, damp soils, to thin, dry soils. With its spectacular brilliant red leaves in fall it is a tree that everyone can be proud to grow. Although usually grown as a shade tree, October Glory Maple is also a great choice for a windbreak or deciduous screen, or even as a special choice for an interesting and beautiful hedge.

Growth Rate and Appearance

When young, your October Glory Maple will grow rapidly, three feet a year or even more, so it will quickly make a 20 foot specimen in your garden. October Glory Maple will grow into a mature tree at least 50 feet tall, and 20 to 30 feet across, with a trunk perhaps 2 feet across. The trunk has smooth grey bark when young and only in older trees does it become more cracked in appearance.

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 crimson-red foliage each fall, which lights up the garden as the cooler days arrive.

Hardiness

October Glory Maple is much hardier than other Maples and many other shade trees. It is hardy from 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. It will also grow in a wide range of soils, from near-swamp conditions to dry sites. So whatever your soil Red Maple will thrive.

Planting Location

Allow plenty of room for your specimen October Glory Maple. Plant your new tree 15 to 20 feet from your house and well away from driveways and roads. When planting as a screen or wind-break, allow 10 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.

Pests and Diseases

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 be out of their reach. It should not be planted where there are horses, as the fallen leaves are poisonous to them.

History and Origins of the October Glory Maple

Common 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 one of the most beautiful trees of the forests, particularly for its brilliant red leaves in fall, which complement the gold of the Sugar Maples and purple of the Ash trees.

‘October Glory’ is a specially selected form grown by a nursery in New Jersey and introduced in 1961.  In that time it has proved its worth in three ways. It is more dependable for always having glorious crimson-red fall color, no matter what the weather has been. It retains its leave significantly longer into late fall than other Red Maples, so you can enjoy its beauty for a longer time. Lastly, and perhaps best of all, it grows faster, so it will become a beautiful, mature shade tree much sooner than other kinds of Red Maple will.

Buying October Glory Maple at The Tree Center

October Glory Maple is a specially selected form, so it is important to get the right tree. Our trees are grown the correct way, from grafts of specific, correctly identified 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 is the best time of year to plant an October Glory Maple?

The best time to plant an October Glory Maple is in the early spring or fall. These seasons provide the most favorable conditions for the tree to establish its root system. However, due to its hardiness and adaptability to various soil conditions, it can be planted at any time of the year, provided it is watered adequately during the initial stages of growth.

How much space does an October Glory Maple need to grow properly?

An October Glory Maple needs ample space to grow and spread. It’s recommended to plant this tree at least 15 to 20 feet away from your house or any other structures. If you’re planting it as a screen or windbreak, allow 10 feet between the trees. This will ensure that the tree has enough room to grow and won’t interfere with nearby structures.

What kind of maintenance does an October Glory Maple require?

The October Glory Maple is a low-maintenance tree. It requires little pruning, just remove any weak branches and any that are growing too close together. Watering is necessary during drought periods and some tree fertilizer in spring can be helpful for young trees. However, once mature, your tree will need little care except for admiration.

What kind of soil is best for an October Glory Maple?

The October Glory Maple is adaptable and can thrive in almost all kinds of soil. It can grow in rich, damp soils, as well as thin, dry soils. However, for optimal growth, it prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Despite its adaptability, it’s always a good idea to amend the soil with organic matter to improve its fertility and drainage.

How much water does an October Glory Maple need?

While the October Glory Maple is drought-tolerant, it does appreciate regular watering, especially during dry periods. Young trees should be watered thoroughly every week during their first growing season. Once established, the tree can tolerate periods of drought, but it’s still a good idea to water it during extended dry spells.

What kind of light conditions does an October Glory Maple need?

The October Glory Maple can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. However, for the best growth and most vibrant fall color, it prefers a location with full sun. If planted in the shade, it will grow towards the sunlight.

How long does it take for an October Glory Maple to reach maturity?

The October Glory Maple is a fast-growing tree and can grow at least three feet a year. It can quickly turn from a young tree into a mature tree in a relatively short time. However, like all trees, the time it takes to reach full maturity can vary based on growing conditions. Generally, you can expect it to reach its full height in about 15 to 20 years.

What are the main features of an October Glory Maple?

The October Glory Maple is known for its brilliant red leaves in the fall, which can light up any garden. It’s a fast-growing tree, capable of growing at least three feet a year. It’s also a hardy tree, able to tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and resist pests and diseases. These features make it an excellent choice for a shade tree, windbreak, or deciduous screen.

Are there any potential problems or pests I should be aware of with an October Glory Maple?

The October Glory Maple is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally be eaten by deer, especially during the winter months. Also, it’s important to note that the fallen leaves of the tree are poisonous to horses. Therefore, it should not be planted where horses are present.

What makes the October Glory Maple a good choice for urban conditions?

The October Glory Maple is a great choice for urban conditions due to its hardiness and adaptability. It can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including those found in urban areas. It’s also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for city planting. Additionally, its fast growth rate and beautiful fall color make it a popular choice for urban landscapes.