Red Sunset Maple

Introduction

Stunning Orange-Red Fall Color

• Gets 40-60 feet tall
• Fast Growing – up to 2 feet per year!
• Great shade tree

Never Bareroot… All plants come rooted into a container with soil.

Description

The Red Sunset Maple is a fast growing tree that gets up to 40-60 feet tall and 25-35 feet wide. With symmetrical branching and strong structure, this Maple tree a real winner! They are very easy to grow and require no maintenance.

Do you have a open area in your front yard or back yard? Add a Red Sunset Maple. This fast growing tree will provide shade within a few years. Up to 2 feet growth per year!

Red Sunset Maple Trees have a nice pyramidal form and over time they start to round on the top. The leaves turn orange-red in the fall and make this maple one of the best trees for fall color. The Red Sunset Maple is one of the first trees to start turning color. In the summer, the leaves are shiny green.

Red Sunset Maples prefer full sun especially in cooler zones. However, these Maples do well in part shade in warmer zones. When planting, remember to stake your new maple tree to get it growing straight!

How To Care

When planting your Red Sunset Maple tree be sure you have the right location and conditions for your new tree to thrive. Spring and Fall are ideal times to plant. However, if you avoid freezing and hot temperatures you can plant your Maple almost any time of the year.

These trees tolerate full sun to part shade and prefer soil that is well-drained, slightly acidic, and nutrient rich. However, Maples will adapt to a variety of soils. If you have alkaline soil, you can amend your soil. To acidify your soil, amend with compost, elemental sulfur, or use fertilizers specific for acid loving plants.

Mulching with pine straw or pine bark will help over time as they begin to break down, but are not an immediate solution for increasing acidity. Mulching will also aid in keeping the roots cool and moist. Add a layer of 2 to 3 inches of mulch. Do not allow the mulch to touch the trunk as this increases the chances of pests and disease.

Maples should be watered often enough to keep the soil moist. Red Sunset Maples tolerate wet conditions including standing water. Fertilize in early spring and when planting to give your tree a boost. Choose a slow release fertilizer. When planting take care not to burn the roots by mixing the fertilizer into the soil before placing your tree in the hole.

Maple trees don’t generally require pruning, but, if needed, prune when they are dormant to remove any dead, dying, or crowded branches, or to maintain shape. Maples are salt intolerant so keep them away from road sides in cooler climates and beach areas as well as any area known for soils with high salinity.

The best way to prevent disease and pests is by providing the appropriate care for your plants. Proper location choice, watering, and fertilization are the keys to your success. Scale and Aphids are insects that can affect Maples. You can treat these pests naturally with horticultural oil, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. For severe infections you can use pesticides like carbaryl, also known as Sevin.

Occasionally fungal issues can arise. Generally, treating after infection isn’t extremely effective, so if you have problems yearly treat in early spring with fungicides to prevent infection. Neem Oil is an organic method of treating some fungal diseases and pests. It can be effective, but the entire tree must be coated in order for this method to be effective. For additional tips, be sure to read our article on Shade tree care.

Landscape Ideas

The Red Sunset Maple tree is a great tree for your yard. With a mature width of up to 35 feet and height around 50, this is a good sized shade tree. Be sure to give it plenty of room to thrive. Plant 1, 2, or 3 in your front or backyard as individual specimen trees or plant a row to line your backyard or a long driveway. Space your maple hedge so that each tree has at least 12 feet to the next tree. You will enjoy shade within a few years with this fast growing tree.

For additional options, be sure to browse our Maple tree collection.